Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe screw size
M4 · length not stated in the sources
The screws used on Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe are M4. None of the sources we found gives an exact length, so measure the original before you order.
Where it is used: mounting slots take M4 (or imperial 8-32).
This entry is marked confirmed and comes from scopestuff.com.
M4 means a 4 mm nominal diameter with a 0.7 mm thread pitch. Imperial look-alike: #8-32 (4.17 mm) — the standard US PC/rack screw, close but not the same.
Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe screw specifications
One row per fitment record. Head, drive are shown only where the source states them; pitch is the ISO coarse pitch for the thread.
| Thread | Length | Pitch | Head | Drive | Where it goes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | not stated | 0.7 mm | not stated | not stated | mounting slots take M4 (or imperial 8-32) | Confirmed |
Fitment records and sources
M4confirmed
mounting slots take M4 (or imperial 8-32)
pitch 0.7 mm · tap 3.3 mm · clearance 4.5 mm · PH2 / Torx T20
How to check the screw before you buy
- Camera and optics hardware often uses short screws into thin threaded plates, so check engagement before tightening fully.
- Diameter: across the threads an M4 screw measures about 4 mm with calipers (usually a hair under). If yours measures noticeably more or less, it is a different thread.
- Pitch: 0.7 mm from one thread crest to the next (14.29 crests per centimetre). A thread pitch gauge or the pitch-gauge tool settles it in seconds.
- Length: measure from under the head to the tip for pan, button, wafer and cap heads; countersunk (flat) heads are measured overall.
- Driver: the source does not name the drive. Standard M4 heads take PH2 for Phillips and T20 for Torx, and a 3 mm hex key for socket heads; a bit that fits loosely will cam out and strip the head.
- Tightening: no device-specific torque is published in these records. The site's general figure for M4 is about 2.0-3.0 N·m into metal threads and 0.8-1.4 N·m into plastic bosses; snug it up and stop.
Common mix-ups with M4
- Not all telescope/finder hardware is metric — Celestron Edge/NexStar SE finder-shoe and dovetail screws are reported as 8/32 (imperial UNC), so metric M4/M5 fitments cannot be assumed across all Celestron products; must check per accessory/vintage.
- US-made pinball machines (Williams/Bally/Stern) overwhelmingly use imperial UTS threads (#6-32, #8-32, #10-32); explicit metric threads only appear on newer/import components such as Jersey Jack Pinball's Hobbit Smaug assembly (M3).
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Browse all 278 in Cameras & Optics →The same screw also fits
Devices whose records share a thread with Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe, closest length match first.
- Thorlabs CCM5-BS017/M 16mm cage cube beamsplitter also M4
- Vortex Viper enclosed micro red dot on Beretta 1301 Comp / Browning Maxus II also M4
- ARRI plate for Sony VENICE 1/2 also M4
- Leica M-series stereo microscopes (M165/M205) also M4
- Shield Sights Optic Ready (MOS) Mount also M4
- DJI RS upper quick-release plate also M4
- Newport M-SP-4 optical post also M4
- Christie HS / Jazz Series UST lens bracket also M4
Questions about Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe screws
- What size screw does Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe use?
- M4 for mounting slots take M4 (or imperial 8-32).
- How long are the screws in Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe?
- None of the sources states a length. Remove one screw and measure it from under the head to the tip (overall for a countersunk head).
- What is the thread pitch of an M4 screw?
- 0.7 mm (coarse), which is the standard pitch for M4 machine screws; a 0.5 mm fine pitch exists but is uncommon. The tap drill is 3.3 mm and the normal clearance hole is 4.5 mm.
- What screwdriver do I need for Explore Scientific / Meade style finder shoe?
- The sources do not name the drive. For M4, Phillips heads normally take PH2 and Torx heads T20; socket heads take a 3 mm hex key.
- Can I use an imperial screw instead of M4?
- No. Imperial look-alike: #8-32 (4.17 mm) — the standard US PC/rack screw, close but not the same. Use a true M4 screw so it does not cross-thread or strip the hole.