Thread Pitch Comparison: Metric vs. Imperial Fasteners
Understanding thread pitch is crucial when working with fasteners, especially when converting between metric and imperial systems. This guide will help you compare thread pitch between metric and imperial fasteners, ensuring you choose the right one for your project. Keep this page bookmarked on www.canadabolts.ca for quick access.
Thread Pitch Comparison Table
| Metric Thread Size | Thread Pitch (mm) | Closest Imperial Thread Size | Thread Pitch (TPI - Threads Per Inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | #4-40 | 40 |
| M4 | 0.7 | #6-32 | 32 |
| M5 | 0.8 | #10-24 | 24 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 1/4"-20 | 20 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 5/16"-18 | 18 |
| M10 | 1.5 | 3/8"-16 | 16 |
| M12 | 1.75 | 1/2"-13 | 13 |
| M16 | 2.0 | 5/8"-11 | 11 |
| M20 | 2.5 | 3/4"-10 | 10 |
| M24 | 3.0 | 7/8"-9 | 9 |
How to Use This Comparison Table
- Identify your metric thread size: Locate the metric thread size in the first column.
- Compare with imperial thread size: The third column shows the closest imperial equivalent, with thread pitch given in TPI (Threads Per Inch).
- Ensure compatibility: Use the correct thread pitch to ensure fasteners fit properly and perform as expected.
Why Thread Pitch Matters
Thread pitch determines the distance between threads on a fastener. Using the correct thread pitch is essential for:
- Strength: Matching the correct pitch ensures the fastener maintains its strength and load-bearing capacity.
- Compatibility: Ensures that fasteners from different systems can be used together without issues.