GUIDE TO CHOOSING

THREAD TYPES

(800) 456-9012
[email protected]
www.SealconUSA.com
 CONTENTS
3
Why Does Thread Type Matter

5
Defining Thread Terminology

7
NPT Threads

8
Metric Threads

9
PG Threads

10
BSPP(G) Threads

11
Thread Selection for Your Application
 WHY DOES THREAD
TYPE MATTER?

When it comes to fittings and connectors, choosing the right thread type for
the job makes all the difference. The success of your application relies on
proper installation which is why choosing the correct thread is so important.

Consider these factors when selecting a thread type:

APPLICATION: LOCATION:
Wet or dry; indoor or outdoor Domestic or international
(Sun Exposure)

RATINGS & APPROVALS: SPACING:

Requirements, certifications Footprint
(very important in (metal parts are
hazardous applications) smaller than nylon)

MATERIAL: WALL THICKNESS:

Nylon, nickel plated brass If thick, Metric and PG
or stainless steel offer more options

INDUSTRY:
Food and beverage, telecommunication, security, lighting, robotics,
packaging, marine, medical, renewable energy, automotive, military or
hazardous

3 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

Many problems can occur from improper thread selection including leakage,
unconformity and instability. You also run the risk of cross-threading, or cut-
ting of the thread, which could lead to permanent damage.

Cross Threaded

Choosing the right thread type for your application begins by understanding
the basic characteristics of threads.

4 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

 DEFINING THREAD
TERMINOLOGY

In order to make a proper thread selection, it is important to understand the

terminology used to describe the characteristics of the varying thread types.

Thread – ridges wrapped around fitting in the

form of a helix

Peak also referred to as Crest –

highest point of thread

Peak Pitch
Root – lowest point of thread
Fla
nk
Flank – thread portion connecting
peak and root
Root
Thread Pitch - distance between
thread peaks along the length of the fitting

Thread Count also referred to as TPI (Threads Per Inch) - number of

threads measured per inch along the length of the fitting

Thread Size - size of pipe or tubing with which the fitting connects

Parallel Thread also referred to as Straight Thread - runs straight,

beginning at the shank and going to the end of the fitting

Taper Thread – runs diagonally, beginning at the shank and tapering in

toward the end of the fitting

5 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

 Self-Sealing Thread - seals pressure tight joints without a sealing
compound

Sealant Thread - a sealant is needed to establish a liquid-tight seal

In this guide, we will discuss four basic thread types:

6 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

 NPT THREADS

NPT stands for National Pipe Thread and is the US standard for tapered
threads for connectors and fittings. NPT threads are usually longer than Metric
or PG and taper toward the end. The taper rate for all NPT threads is 1/16.

NPT threads are designed to create a liquid-tight seal.. The flanks of the
threads compress against each other which allow them to form a seal when
torque is applied.

NPT threads are used in a wide range of materials to suit a variety of

environments and conditions. You would want to use NPT threads in
applications that require an effective seal from liquids, gases and steam.

NPT THREAD SPECIFICATIONS

Thread Size 1/4” NPT 3/8” NPT 1/2” NPT 3/4” NPT 1” NPT 1-1/4” NPT 1-1/2” NPT 2” NPT
Major Dia. in Inches (mm) .54 (13.72) .67 (17.14) .84 (21.34) 1.05 (26.67) 1.31 (33.40) 1.66 (42.16) 1.90 (48.26) 2.37 (60.32)
Pitch in Inches (mm) .06 (1.41) .06 (1.41) .071 (1.81) .07 (1.81) .087 (2.21) .087 (2.21) .087 (2.21) .087 (2.21)
Threads per Inch 18 18 14 14 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5

60° • NPT Thread = National Pipe Thread

Pitch
• Taper rate for all NPT threads is 1/16
• The taper on NPT threads allows them
to form a seal when torqued as the
flanks of the threads compress against
each other
Conicity: 6.25%
90°

7 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

 METRIC THREADS

Even though Metric threads are European, they are the most common thread
type used world-wide.

Metric threads are characterized by their major diameter and pitch, both
expressed in millimeters. For example, an M20 x 1.5 fitting has a major
diameter of 20mm and a pitch of 1.5mm.

You would want to use Metric threads in export equipment.

METRIC THREAD SPECIFICATIONS

Thread Size M6 M8 M10 M12 M16 M20 M25 M32 M40 M50 M63
Major Dia. in Inches (mm) .24 (6) .31 (8) .39 (10) .47 (12) .63 (16) .79 (20) .98 (25) 1.26 (32) 1.57 (40) 1.97 (50) 2.48 (63)
Pitch in Inches (mm) .04 (1) .05 (1.25) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5) .06 (1.5)
Thru Hole in Inches (mm) .25 (6.4) .33 (8.4) .41 (10.5) .49 (12.5) .63 (16) .79 (20) .98 (25) 1.26 (32) 1.57 (40) 1.97 (50) 2.48 (63)

• Most commonly used type thread type

world-wide
60° Pitch • Characterized by its major diameter
and pitch
• Designated by the letter M followed by
the value of the nominal diameter and
the pitch, both expressed in millimeters
and separated by the multiplication
sign ‘x’ (i.e. M12 x 1.5)

8 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

 PG THREADS

PG stands for Panzer-Gewinde, and is an older German thread type.

PG threads are straight threads designed with a smaller thread depth and
larger flank angle. The 80° angle of the PG thread gives a shorter profile than
the more common 60° angle found in Metric threads.

PG THREAD SPECIFICATIONS
Thread Size PG 7 PG 9 PG 11 PG 13/13.5 PG 16 PG 21 PG 29 PG 36 PG 42 PG 48
Major Dia. in Inches (mm) .49 (12.5) .60 (15.2) .73 (18.6) .80 (20.4) .89 (22.5) 1.11 (28.3) 1.46 (37) 1.85 (47) 2.13 (54) 2.39 (59.3)
Pitch in Inches (mm) .05 (1.27) .06 (1.41) .06 (1.41) .06 (1.41) .06 (1.41) .06 (1.59) .06 (1.59) .06 (1.59) .06 (1.59) .06 (1.59)
Thru Hole in Inches (mm) .50 (12.7) .61 (15.4) .74 (18.8) .81 (20.7) .90 (22.8) 1.12 (28.6) 1.47 (37.4) 1.87 (47.5) 2.14 (54.5) 2.35 (59.8)

• PG Thread = Panzer-Gewinde (also

Panzer-Rohr-Gewinde)

80° • German thread type

Pitch
• Depth of thread is smaller than NPT
and Metric, but flank angle is larger
• Straight thread

9 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

 BSPP(G) THREADS

BSPP stands for British Standard Pipe Parallel, and the “G” denotes constant
diameter of the thread.

BSPP(G) threads are the international standard for interconnecting and sealing
with fittings.

BSPP(G) THREAD SPECIFICATIONS

Thread Size G 2-1 /2” G 3” G 4"
Major Dia. in Inches (mm) 2.96 (75.18) 3.46 (87.89) 4.45 (113.03)
Pitch in Inches (mm) .09 (2.31) .09 (2.31) .09 (2.31)
Threads per Inch (mm) 2.98 (75.7) 3.34 (84.93) 4.33 (110.07)

• BSPP Thread = British Standard Pipe

Parallel Thread
55°
Pitch • Parallel (straight) thread with a
constant diameter, denoted by the
letter G
• Symmetrical V-thread in which the
angle between flanks is 55° (measured
in an axial plane)
• One-sixth of this sharp V is truncated at
the top and the bottom
• Threads are rounded equally at crests
and roots by circular arcs ending
tangentially with the flanks
• The theoretical depth of the thread is
therefore 0.64 times the nominal pitch

10 Guide to Choosing Thread Types

THREAD SELECTION FOR
YOUR APPLICATION

If you are unable to determine the thread type you need, follow these steps:
1. Determine if the thread is straight or tapered:
• Straight Threads - Measure the outside diameter of the male (ODM)
or the inside diameter of the female (IDF) from thread peak to thread
peak.
• Tapered Threads- Measure the outside diameter of the male (ODM) at
the large end and the small end or the inside diameter of the female
(IDF) at the large end and the small end from thread peak to thread
peak. Then measure the outside diameter (OD) of the unthreaded
pipe.
2. Calculate the number of threads per inch:
Measure the distance from thread peak to thread peak, across the largest
number of whole threads. Then divide the number of threads by the
measurement to find the threads per inch (TPI).

We hope this guide has helped you understand the importance of selecting
the proper thread for your applications. Remember to always think about the
application, location, ratings & approvals, spacing, wall thickness, material and
industry when choosing your thread. Should an installation require a longer
thread, we offer elongated threads.

Please contact us with additional questions.

7374 S. EAGLE STREET

CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112, U.S.A.
PHONE: 800-456-9012
FAX: 303-680-5344
EMAIL: [email protected]
11 Guide to Choosing Thread Types