A screw thread, often shortened to thread, is a helical structure used to convert between rotational and linear movement or force. A screw thread is a ridge wrapped around a cylinder or cone in the form of a helix, with the former being called a straight thread and the latter called a tapered thread.
The most frequently used thread form is the 60° thread form found in the metric ISO thread and in the UN-series. However, there are other thread standards as well. These are either based on foreign standards or are used for special applications. The most common threads are:
• ISO Thread (metric)
• UN (Unified National) series Thread
• Pipe Thread
• Whitworth Thread
• Trapezoidal Thread
• Knuckle Thread
• Buttress Thread
Major diameter: The diameter of a screw thread measured across the crest of the threads and perpendicular to the thread axis.
Pitch diameter: The diameter on a threaded object that lies between the major and minor diameters.
Minor diameter: The diameter of a screw thread measured across the thread root of the threads and perpendicular to the thread axis.
Pitch: The distance from crest to crest.