Screw Sizes – How to Measure Screws
Screws are available in many sizes for a variety of uses, from fastening items together to holding them in place. Their size is based on several things, including their diameter and thread length. Understanding Screw Sizes will help you find the correct fasteners for your projects and ensure that they will be compatible with your materials. Using the proper screws will also save you time and money by not having to remove them later.
Measuring the diameter of a screw is simple, although there are different methods depending on the type of measurement system you use. You will want to measure the distance from one edge of the screw’s thread to the other, which is called the major diameter. Alternatively, you can measure the depth of the thread from one end to the other, which is called the minor diameter. A number is often used to designate the diameter of a screw, such as 1/4″.
The thread length of a screw is also important to consider, but this can be slightly more complicated than measuring the diameter. The length of a screw can be measured by the shaft, or the portion that goes into your material, or it can be measured from the head of the screw to where you would expect it to rest on the surface. The length of a screw is also usually described by its gage, or the amount of threads per inch. This can be confusing, because it is not always listed with the shaft or head diameter. A screw with a #8 gage, for example, has a head diameter of one inch and a shaft length of one-half inch.
When measuring the thread length, it is helpful to have a thread pitch chart handy. These charts show how many threads are in an inch, as well as their decimal equivalents. These are useful when converting imperial screw size measurements to metric. A standard thread pitch is one inch between threads, but there are other variations of this standard.
Screws are available in a wide range of head styles and drive types, which add to their versatility. Choosing the right head type will depend on your project, as some materials require a specific type of driver to avoid damage. Screws are also available in a variety of lengths and materials.
Screws are an essential part of any toolbox, and knowing how to read their measurements will allow you to choose the right ones for your projects. Measuring them correctly is easy and can be done with a ruler or tape measure. You can then refer to a chart to convert between screw gauges and lengths, or between imperial and metric systems. You can even purchase trade packs of screws to make your work easier. Just be sure to check the specifications on the box before you buy. This way, you’ll have the perfect screws for your project.. 1/4 to mm