How to Fix Wrong Size SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Components

If you’ve ever opened an assembly with SOLIDWORKS Toolbox components only to find that all of the sizes are wrong, the first reaction is panic and the dread of thinking all fasteners need to be reinserted. The Toolbox components will typically appear to be larger in size compared to what was first inserted.

In this article, we’ll explore why Toolbox components sometimes appear to randomly open with incorrect sizes and how you can resolve the problem quickly.

What Causes the Wrong Size SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Components?

The Toolbox is a powerful feature in SOLIDWORKS that provides a database file that stores an endless list of available fasteners. This includes different sizes, configurations, and master part files that are used to create the various components on demand.

By default, the master part files only have a single configuration. Depending on Toolbox configuration settings, inserting a component in an assembly creates a new configuration in the master part or creates a completely separate part in a specified folder. The issue with incorrect sizes typically occurs in a multi-user environment, though it can also happen with a single user if moving to a new computer.

Unique Standalone Toolbox Databases

The issue can arise with multiple users working on the same models but not using a shared or consistent Toolbox database. Each user has their own standalone Toolbox, by default under C:\SOLIDWORKS Data.

A user inserts a Toolbox component in an assembly, and this size is created in their local Toolbox. When another user opens the assembly, their local Toolbox does not have this size.

Wrong size Toolbox components due to unique databases

SOLIDWORKS will try to create the missing size, but if unsuccessful, the default configuration in the master part will be used. The symptom will be from the FeatureManager Design Tree, showing the Toolbox component is using a ‘PreviewCfg’ configuration.

Mismatched User Settings between Machines

There are options for creating configurations or creating parts for the different fastener sizes. This can be found under Tools > Options > Hole Wizard/Toolbox > Configure > 3 – User Settings.

SOLIDWORKS Toolbox configuration settings

Ensure all machines use a consistent setting. By default, these settings are separate for each user and not controlled by the Toolbox database.

• Single User: In a one-user environment, you may switch from one computer to another. Use the SOLIDWORKS Settings Wizard to copy the SOLIDWORKS System Options between machines for consistent settings.
• Multiple Users: For a multi-user environment, enabling “Set the same for all users” under the 4 – Permissions section is recommended.

More information on choosing between Create Configurations and Create Parts is provided in our article SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Setup: Best Practice for Managing User Settings in a Shared Environment

Customized Toolbox Databases

If Toolbox databases have been customized and users are not accessing the same shared database, the custom size will not be available in the default database.  Therefore, a user with a default Toolbox will not have the available size.

How to Fix the Issue for Standalone Toolboxes

Copy a Working Toolbox Database to All Machines

If local Toolboxes are needed (i.e., no network connectivity), determine a method to back up and share a common Toolbox to each computer. Copy the entire “SOLIDWORKS Data” folder from a working computer to all other computers. The use of cloud-based storage (such as OneDrive) is not supported or recommended.

Manually Create Missing Sizes

If the fastener is not a custom size and a standard Toolbox is unable to generate the size, create a new assembly and insert all required sizes of the fasteners. Inserting a Toolbox component into a new assembly will generate the configuration or part of each size selected that can then be referenced in other assemblies.

Avoid Wrong-Size Toolbox Components with SOLIDWORKS PDM

Using a shared database ensures consistency between all users as the required sizes are available to all users. The Toolbox library can be copied to a network server or managed in SOLIDWORKS PDM. By leveraging the data management tools in SOLIDWORKS PDM, you can easily manage the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox without worrying about corruption or version mismatches.

The Toolbox managed by SOLIDWORKS PDM

The SOLIDWORKS Toolbox is an incredible time-saver, but only when configured correctly. By keeping consistent settings and databases, a little proactive maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your assemblies error-free.

To learn more about managing the Toolbox with SOLIDWORKS PDM, click here.