Screw Sizes Chart and Screw Diameter Calculators
Whether you’re a professional tradesman or an enthusiastic DIYer, there are plenty of projects on your to-do list that require the use of screws. But if you’re not familiar with screw sizing, it can be difficult to figure out what size to purchase. Fortunately, there are several easy-to-use tools to help you out. These include a screw sizes chart and screw diameter calculators.
There are many different types of screws, and each type has its own sizing system. However, most are sized using the Unified Thread Standard (UTS), which is based on two factors: screw gauge and threads per inch (TPI). The first number refers to the head diameter of the screw; the second refers to the length of the shank. For example, a size 10-24 screw has a head diameter of 14 inch and a length of 24 threads per inch.
In the US, screws are typically labeled in imperial units. They are usually marked with a letter and the screw diameter in inches. For example, a screw marked as 5/16″ x 1-1/4″, which is a common wood screw size, has a head diameter of 5/16″ and a diameter of 3/8″. Screws in other countries use metric measurements to label their sizes. For instance, a common metric screw is an M4 screw, which has a diameter of 4mm.
Screws are also often labelled with different abbreviations and acronyms, which can be helpful when shopping around for the right screws for your project. For example, some wood screws have an ST icon, which stands for self-tapping – this means that the screw can be driven into a hole without the need for a pilot drill. Another abbreviation used on screws is RH, which means that the screw is right-handed.
If you’re not familiar with the different screw sizing systems, a handy screw sizes chart will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase. In addition to the screw gauge and TPI, a good chart will also give you the tolerance class, LH symbol (if applicable), and the length of the screw.
A screw sizes chart will also tell you the pitch in inches. This is the distance between each thread, and it’s an important factor in determining how fast or slow the screw will drive into your material.
A screw sizes chart will also include the corresponding metric sizes in mm, which can be useful when buying screws online. A good metric screw sizes chart will also have a converter that converts screw sizes between the two systems. Hopefully, this will make it easier to shop for the correct screws for your next DIY or trade project. screw sizes chart