Screw Abbreviations

Screw abbreviations can feel overwhelming when you’re comparing fasteners, reading spec sheets, or planning a precise build. These shorthand codes identify head styles, thread types, materials, and drive systems, allowing you to choose the exact hardware your project needs. When you understand what each abbreviation means, selecting the correct screw becomes faster, easier, and far more accurate. Clear knowledge also helps you avoid mismatched parts, stripped threads, or unnecessary returns.

 

Tradespeople, engineers, and DIY builders rely on screw abbreviations to communicate clearly and eliminate confusion across drawings and component lists. Codes like PH, FH, SHCS, and UNC instantly describe key features, so every tool and material aligns with the project requirements. By learning these terms, you streamline your workflow and improve build quality. This familiarity boosts confidence, improves purchasing decisions, and ensures the final assembly meets both structural and aesthetic expectations.

 

AbbreviationsDescription
General Fasteners
FHFlat Head
PHPan Head
RHRound Head
SHSocket Head
CSKCountersunk
HEXHex Head
TRITruss Head
SQSquare Drive
Thread and Shaft
UNCUnified National Coarse
UNFUnified National Fine
UNEFUnified National Extra Fine
MMetric Thread
TPIThreads Per Inch
LHLeft-Hand Thread
RHRight-Hand Thread
IDInside Diameter
ODOutside Diameter
Screws and Bolts
SHCSSocket Head Cap Screw
BHCSButton Head Cap Screw
FHCSFlat Head Cap Screw
HHCSHex Head Cap Screw
HCSHex Cap Screw
LAGLag Screw
SEMSPre-assembled Screw with Washer(s)
Nuts
HNHex Nut
NLNylon Insert Lock Nut (Nyloc)
WNWing Nut
CNCoupling Nut
JFJam Nut
K-Lock / KEPKeps Nut (with captive washer)
Washers
FWFlat Washer
LWLock Washer
SAESAE Standard Washer
USSUSS Standard Washer
FWPFender Washer
Anchors
SSASleeve Anchor
Wedge / WAWedge Anchor
LDALarge Diameter Anchor
TAToggle Anchor
Rivets
POPBlind Rivet
SSRSolid Steel Rivet
OSROversize Rivet