How to Read a Screw Thread Callout: 5 Steps (with Pictures)

How to Read a Screw Thread Callout

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You have a loose machine screw and walk into the hardware store to obtain a
replacement. There, you encounter an entire aisle of screws, nuts, washers,
and other small hardware. Which one do you need? To read a screw thread
callout, follow these guidelines.
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1 Read the numbers. They will look something like one of these:

#4-40 x .5
1/4-20 x 5/8
M3-0.50 x 10

Steps

2 Interpret the first number. The first number gives the major, or largest, diameter.

In Unified threads (measured in inches) there are numbered diameters #0

through #10, with 0 the smallest and 10 the largest. (Diameters #12 and #14
may also be found, but are usually on older equipment and needed for repairs
or restorations. #14 is close to, but not exactly the same as, 1/4-inch.) The
major diameter in Unified threads = 0.060" + 0.013" (numbered diameter). So,
#2 has a major diameter of 0.086". The odd numbers exist, but the even
numbers are in far more common use. For screws larger than a #10, the
diameters are listed in fractional inches. For instance, a 1/4-20 screw has a 1/4-
inch major diameter.
For metric threads, e.g. M3.5, the number following the M is the major diameter
of the external thread in millimeters.
How to Read a Screw Thread Callout: 5 Steps (with Pictures)

3 Interpret the second number. It has to do with the distance between adjacent
threads. It may be given as the number of threads per unit length, or it may be
given as the distance between threads (also called the thread pitch).
For Unified threads, the number given is threads per inch. For instance, a 1/4-
20 screw has 20 threads per inch.
For metric threads, the thread pitch is given in millimeters per thread. Thus, an
M2 x 0.4 screw has threads every 0.4mm. Although most metric fasteners have
two or more standard pitches (fine & coarse threads), the pitch is often omitted
from a thread callout; it is always helpful to carry a sample with you to the
hardware store.
Two major metric "industrial standards": DIN Deutsches Institut fr
Normung (German) and the JIS Japanese Industrial Standards.
Although these standards are closely related and often identical, there
will be cases where say a JIS M8 bolt may not have the same pitch as
a DIN M8 bolt. The American National Standard (ANSI) Metric thread is
more commonly used in the USA.

4 Read the length, which is generally given after the x. The length of most
screws is measured from the bottom of the head, as shown. Note, however, that a
flathead screw, designed to sit flush in a countersunk material, is measured to the top of
the head.
For unified threads, the length is given in inches. A 1/4-20 x 3/4 screw is .75
inches long. The length may be given in fractional inches or the decimal
equivalent.
For metric threads, the length is given in millimeters.

5 Understand some other nomenclature that sometimes goes with screw

threads.
Thread classes refer to fit: how loosely or tightly the screw fits in the nut. The
most common thread classes are 2A or 2B. A indicates an external thread, such
as on a screw or bolt. B indicates an internal thread, such as on a nut. The 2
(or, far less commonly, 1 or 3) describes the tightness of the fit.
You may see the abbreviations UNC and UNF. These stand for unified coarse
and unified fine, respectively, and they refer to standard series of thread pitch.
Each series assigns a pitch to diameter. For instance, a #10 UNC screw has 24
threads per inch, whereas a #10 UNF screw has 32 threads per inch. If a thread
is specified by its series, look for the pitch in a table.
Minor diameter is the smallest diameter of the thread, the innermost diameter.
Major diameter is the largest diameter of the thread, or the outermost diameter.
The diameter given is typically the nominal major diameter of an external, or
male, thread.

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How to Read a Screw Thread Callout: 5 Steps (with Pictures)

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Screw thread callouts are not printed on the fastener. If you have an
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unknown fastener, a thread gauge or screw checker can be a big help
in determining its size. If no such instrument is available, try screwing
your fastener into a known mating thread. Stop immediately if you feel
undue resistance to avoid stripping threads.
Markings may appear on the fastener to indicate the grade or
material, particularly if the fastener is special (such as if it is an
aircraft grade).

To read aloud, say these callouts as follows:

#4-40 x .5 -- Say "Four-forty by point five" or "Number four-forty by
a half."
1/4-20 x 5/8 -- Say "Quarter-twenty by five eighths."
M3x.5 x 10 -- Say "Em three by point five by ten."

This guide is for machine screws. Other threads, such as wood

screws, follow slightly different guidelines. Other thread series, such as
the PG series and British Whitworth also exist, but they are relatively
rare.
The majority of machine screws are right-handed threads, meaning
that the screw will turn clockwise to insert and counterclockwise to
remove. Remember, "right, tight; left loose". One common exception is
the thread holding the left pedal on a bicycle to the crank arm.
A good rule of thumb with machine screws is that a minimum of three
full threads should engage the mating thread. If there are not at least
three threads engaged in a thin material, use a nut or other
reinforcement.
Consult a size chart for more information.
Screws typically come in certain round-numbered lengths, so a 1/4 inch
screw may be far easier to find than a 5/32 inch screw.
How to Read a Screw Thread Callout: 5 Steps (with Pictures)

One way to check whether two screws are the same is to set them side
by side facing opposite directions. If their threads mesh, they have the
same thread pitch. This is also a quick way to check length.

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Warnings

When specifying a fastener, make sure that the fastener is adequate

for the job and compatible with the materials and environment.
Tapered pipe threads follow entirely different rules.
Metric standards are often very close to English standards and can
often be confused. Sometimes context can be helpful (e.g. if the
hardware is from a non-American car, it's probably metric).

Sources and Citations

Size chart
Wikipedia article on screws
Thread classes
PG series

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Categories: Featured Articles | Screws and Screwdrivers

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