A short video explaining 10 basic thread terms in
Major DiameterThe major diameter of a thread is the diameter of an imaginary cylinder that touches the largest diameter of a thread. The nominal value of the major diameter equals the nominal thread size. For example, in a UNC 1/4-20 thread, the nominal major diameter is 1/4" (6.35 mm) Read More
Minor DiameterThe minor diameter is the diameter of an imaginary cylinder that touches the smallest diameter of a thread. It depends on the pitch and the thread's angle. Read More
NPSC Thread SeriesNPSC Internal Straight (parallel) Pipe Threads are used to manufacture pressure-tight fittings when assembled with an NPT external taper thread. This series applies to internal threads only. (The external thread is the standard NPT thread). Read More
NPSF - Nation Pipe Straight Fuel ThreadNPSF is a complimentary thread series part of the Dryseal Pipe thread standard defined in ASTM B1.20.3. The typical dryseal thread is the NPTF, tapered thread. However, in some cases, it is desired to mate the external tapered NPTF thread with an internal straight thread. Read More- NPSI - Nation Pipe Straight Intermediate ThreadNPSI is a complimentary thread series part of the Dryseal Pipe thread standard defined in ASTM B1.20.3. The typical dryseal thread is the NPTF, tapered thread. However, in some cases, it is desired to mate the external tapered NPTF thread with an internal straight thread. Read More
NPSL Thread SeriesThe NPSL thread series is designed to produce a pipe thread with the largest diameter possible to cut on a standard pipe. The internal and external thread dimensions are designed to have a "loose fit", and a locknut with an O-ring is required to create a seal. Read More
NPSM Thread SeriesNPSM is a lesser-known pipe thread standard series defined in ASTM B1.20. This thread series creates a non-pressure tight connection. It is mainly used in mechanical joints and special applications with no internal pressure and, consequently, no sealing requirements. It is possible to achieve(...) Read More
NPTR Thread SeriesNPTR is a lesser-known pipe thread standard series defined in ASTM B1.20. This thread is used to connect Railing Joints that require a rigid mechanical connection, such as stair railings. Read More
Over Wire"Over Wire" is a nickname for a measuring method of the pitch diameter of threads. A wire with a known precise diameter is placed between the thread and the jaw of the micrometer. The value of diameter measured "over the wire" is used to calculate the pitch diameter of the thread. Read More
Pitch DiameterThe pitch diameter (also referred to as the effective diameter) is the diameter of an imaginary cylinder, which intersects it so that the distance between two intersection points at opposite flanks of a thread flanks equals half the nominal pitch of the thread. Read More
Tap Drill SizeThe drill diameter to use in preparation for a tapping operation. Unless otherwise specified, it refers to 75% thread depth for a Tap Cutting tool. For more accurate data, it is recommended to use a Tap Drill Size Calculator that considers the tapping tool type and the required thread depth. Read More
Thread addendumThe distance between the crest and the pitch line in an external thread is called the thread addendum. It is designated with has. (Internal threads don't have an addendum). Read More
Thread Allowance (es)Thread allowance (es) is the distance in maximum material condition between the nominal thread diameter and the crest of an external thread. Read More
Thread CrestThe crest is a flat (or rounded) surface connecting the flanks at the top of the thread grooves, whether internal or external. The crest width depends on the amount of tip truncation, which is defined by the specific thread standard. Read More- Thread Height (Depth)The distance between the crest and root is called the thread height. It is designated with hs for external threads and hn for Internal threads. Because in all threads, either the crest or the root must be relieved, the height is a reference dimension and is usually not controlled. Read More
Thread MillingThread milling refers to a metalworking process wherein a tool is rotated in a circular motion to cut interior and exterior threads of varying sizes. Thread pitch gets developed by axial movement in one revolution. Read More
Thread RootThe root is a flat (or rounded) surface connecting between the flanks at the bottom of the thread grooves, whether internal or external. The root width depends on the amount of tip truncation, which is defin Read More
Thread TruncationThread truncation refers to the removal of the sharp apex of the fundamental triangle. This truncation is measured perpendicular to the axis of the threads and can result in either a rounded or flat shape, depending on the thread standard. The amount of truncation determines the thread height.(...) Read More
Tooth per inch (tpi)TPI is an imperial unit of measurement for pitch, commonly used in the United States. As its name suggests, it is the number of times in which the feature appears over a linear distance of 1" (25.4 mm) Read More
