Specifications of Tripod Screw

vince123123 · 31st May 2003

Hi there, anyone knows the specs of a tripod screw?
ie the diameter, and the length between each screw thread. trying to find a bolt that fits a camera tripod hole.

It also seems that taps and dies uses this formula XMY, e.g. 3M0.6, where the first number is the diameter of the bolt and the second is the size of the threads...

anyone can assist?
thanks

roygoh · 31st May 2003

The tripod screw is not defined by the metric system.

The screw size is normally referred to as 4-20, or 1/4-20

I think it means 1/4 inch diameter and the 20 refers to the thread density. Maybe 20 threads in 1 inch.

Should be able to find the screws as well as tap and die tools from hardware store.

- Roy

vince123123 · 1st June 2003

So i just go to a hardware store and tell them "hey gimme a 4-20 bolt and they would know what i'm talking abt?

roygoh · 2nd June 2003

At least that's how I got them here is US, except that all the parts are labelled clearly on the packaging.

In singapore, you will have a better chance by bringing your camera along, so that you can verify if the screws you get ar ethe right ones on the spot, since most stores don't have a very good return policy.

If the hardware store don't understand what is 4-20 screw, then just describe verbally to them lor. 1/4 inch diameter with 20 threads per inch. That should do the job.

roygoh · 2nd June 2003

By the way, 4-20 only specifies the threaded part of the screw.

You have to tell the shopowner the type of screw head (flat, philips, hex etc) and the length of the screw.

spider · 7th June 2003

Hi,
roygoh is correct....but i think the correct term should be #1/4-20, (pronounce as quarter-twenty), not 4-20.

common coarse Unified screw come in (from small to big) 2-56, 4-40, 5-40, 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, 1/4-20...(Ø in inch)

there is also fine thread series which seldom use, only 10-32 is common use in industry

metric screw is simpler: M2, M2.5.....etc (Ø in mm)

when buying unified screw, u need to state the lenght also: 1/4-20 x 1/2L ( 0.5 in long), this lenght refer to the total lenght excluding the head, but including the unthreaded part.

type of head: Flat , round, truss or hex socket head (need allen key)

material: carbonize (black in color), or stainless steel (more $ but strenght)

hope this help...

ark19 · 24th June 2003

Just saw this thread...

See here for info on imperial fasterners....

Cheers!

fruitybix · 25th June 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by vince123123
.... trying to find a bolt that fits a camera tripod hole.

Hi Vince,

would this be, by any chance, for a Slik tripod/ ballhead?

vince123123 · 25th June 2003

eh i'm just looking for the specifications for the standard tripod screw mount...it works for any tripod

31st May 2003	#2
roygoh Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Northwest Posts: 5,042	The tripod screw is not defined by the metric system. The screw size is normally referred to as 4-20, or 1/4-20 I think it means 1/4 inch diameter and the 20 refers to the thread density. Maybe 20 threads in 1 inch. Should be able to find the screws as well as tap and die tools from hardware store. - Roy __________________ As complexity rises, precise statements lose meaning and meaningful statements lose precision.

2nd June 2003	#4
roygoh Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Northwest Posts: 5,042	At least that's how I got them here is US, except that all the parts are labelled clearly on the packaging. In singapore, you will have a better chance by bringing your camera along, so that you can verify if the screws you get ar ethe right ones on the spot, since most stores don't have a very good return policy. If the hardware store don't understand what is 4-20 screw, then just describe verbally to them lor. 1/4 inch diameter with 20 threads per inch. That should do the job. __________________ As complexity rises, precise statements lose meaning and meaningful statements lose precision.

2nd June 2003	#5
roygoh Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Northwest Posts: 5,042	By the way, 4-20 only specifies the threaded part of the screw. You have to tell the shopowner the type of screw head (flat, philips, hex etc) and the length of the screw. __________________ As complexity rises, precise statements lose meaning and meaningful statements lose precision.

31st May 2003	#1
vince123123 Deregistered Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Posts: 6,689	Specifications of Tripod Screw Hi there, anyone knows the specs of a tripod screw? ie the diameter, and the length between each screw thread. trying to find a bolt that fits a camera tripod hole. It also seems that taps and dies uses this formula XMY, e.g. 3M0.6, where the first number is the diameter of the bolt and the second is the size of the threads... anyone can assist? thanks

1st June 2003	#3
vince123123 Deregistered Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Posts: 6,689	So i just go to a hardware store and tell them "hey gimme a 4-20 bolt and they would know what i'm talking abt?

7th June 2003	#6
spider Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 156	Hi, roygoh is correct....but i think the correct term should be #1/4-20, (pronounce as quarter-twenty), not 4-20. common coarse Unified screw come in (from small to big) 2-56, 4-40, 5-40, 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, 1/4-20...(Ø in inch) there is also fine thread series which seldom use, only 10-32 is common use in industry metric screw is simpler: M2, M2.5.....etc (Ø in mm) when buying unified screw, u need to state the lenght also: 1/4-20 x 1/2L ( 0.5 in long), this lenght refer to the total lenght excluding the head, but including the unthreaded part. type of head: Flat , round, truss or hex socket head (need allen key) material: carbonize (black in color), or stainless steel (more $ but strenght) hope this help...

24th June 2003	#7
ark19 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: ark19.multiply.com Posts: 3,080	Just saw this thread... See here for info on imperial fasterners.... Cheers!

25th June 2003	#9
vince123123 Deregistered Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Posts: 6,689	eh i'm just looking for the specifications for the standard tripod screw mount...it works for any tripod