Thread count is also known as thread pitch or threads per inch (TPI) and is used to determine how fine the threads on a screw are. This number will help you determine whether a screw will thread into a certain bolt properly. Screw size is measured in diameter. For example a 1/4-20 screw has 20 threads per inch and a diameter of 1/4 inch. All you need is a steel rule to determine the size and thread count of any screw. Once you learn how to do so, household projects will be much easier.
Step 1
Lay the screw down on a flat surface. Let the head of the screw hang off the edge of the surface so the screw threads are lying flat.
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Step 2
Place a steel rule down the axis of the screw. The first thread on the screw is counted as zero, not one. Starting a thread count at one will throw results off by one point.
Step 3
Count the number of thread gaps within 1 inch of the screw.
Step 4
Divide the count of thread gaps into the length. If there are five threads gaps in a 1-inch length, the thread pitch is .200 inch. For example, 1 inch / 5 thread gaps = .200 inch. There is .200 inch between each thread, and the screw has a TPI of 5.
Step 5
Place the screw on a flat surface.
Step 6
Lay a steel rule between two screw threads and measure across the diameter. Make sure to measure from the outermost ends of the threads. Also be sure not to measure any worn-out or rolled-up screw threads. This will give an inaccurate diameter reading.
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