# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Imperial Threads (UNC/UNF)

#2-56 UNC vs. 3/8"-16 UNC

Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
#2-56 UNC
3/8"-16 UNC

2-56 UNC is a numbered miniature Unified Coarse machine screw thread with a major diameter of 0.0860 inches (2.184 mm) and 56 threads per inch (TPI). Requiring a #50 (0.0700 inch) tap drill, it is widely used in precision model engineering, musical instrument pickups, and micro-electromechanical assemblies.

View full #2-56 UNC spec sheet →

3/8"-16 UNC is a fractional Unified Coarse machine screw thread with a major diameter of 0.3750 inches (9.525 mm) and 16 threads per inch (TPI). Requiring a 5/16 inch (0.3125 inch) tap drill, it is the international standard for professional photography tripod-to-head mounting studs, cinema camera baseplates, and stage microphone stands.

View full 3/8"-16 UNC spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

8 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nominal Major Diameter
0.0860 in (2.184 mm) 0.3750 in (9.525 mm)
Threads Per Inch (TPI)
56 TPI (Coarse pitch: 0.454 mm) 16 TPI (Coarse pitch: 1.588 mm)
Fine Pitch Equivalent
#2-64 UNF (0.397 mm pitch) 3/8"-24 UNF (1.058 mm pitch)
Recommended Tap Drill Size
#50 drill bit (0.0700 in / 1.78 mm) 5/16 in drill bit (0.3125 in / 7.94 mm)
Minor Diameter (Internal)
0.0667 in (1.694 mm) 0.3073 in (7.805 mm)
Tensile Stress Area
0.00370 in² (2.39 mm²) 0.0775 in² (50.0 mm²)
Thread Profile Angle
60 degrees
Common Drive Size
9/16" Hex (14.28 mm) / 5/16" Allen