Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate screw size
M4 · length not stated in the sources
Our records put Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate on M4 screws. None of the sources we found gives an exact length, so measure the original before you order.
There are 2 separate fitment records for it, including M4 tap for post mounting of the double-bore cage plate (M4) and mounting/optic bore tap (metric cage system) (M4).
1 of the 2 records are marked confirmed, drawn from 1 source (thorlabs.com).
For reference, M4 is 4 mm across the threads at 0.7 mm pitch. The imperial size people confuse it with: #8-32 (4.17 mm) — the standard US PC/rack screw, close but not the same.
Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate 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 | M4 tap for post mounting of the double-bore cage plate | Confirmed |
| M4 | not stated | 0.7 mm | not stated | not stated | mounting/optic bore tap (metric cage system) | Likely |
Fitment records and sources
M4 tap for post mounting of the double-bore cage plate
pitch 0.7 mm · tap 3.3 mm · clearance 4.5 mm · PH2 / Torx T20
mounting/optic bore tap (metric cage system)
pitch 0.7 mm · tap 3.3 mm · clearance 4.5 mm · PH2 / Torx T20
How to check the screw before you buy
- Do not confuse metric mounting screws with the 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 tripod threads that cameras and clamps also carry.
- 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
- goBILDA is metric M4; the older Actobotics/ServoCity system it resembles is imperial 6-32. The parts look alike and will strip each other.
- Ideal Scope Mounting System manuals disagree between revisions (M4 vs M5 clamping screws) - check your own manual.
More in Cameras & Optics
The same screw also fits
Devices whose records share a thread with Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate, closest length match first.
- SmallRig 2245 SSD Clamp for BMPCC 4K/6K cages also M4
- Thorlabs SMR1/M Ø1" lens mount with SM1 internal threads also M4
- Newport M-TSP-1 miniature post also M4
- Wooden Camera UMB-1 Universal Mattebox (Base/Clamp On/Swing Away/Pro) also M4
- Thorlabs KS05T/M SM05 kinematic mirror mount also M4
- Tilta TA-RF-LPL adapter ring support (RED KOMODO cage) also M4
- Meade 2" to 1.25" eyepiece adapter / 1.25" visual back also M4
- Thorlabs nested rotation mounts also M4
Questions about Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate screws
- What size screw does Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate use?
- M4 for M4 tap for post mounting of the double-bore cage plate; M4 for mounting/optic bore tap (metric cage system).
- How long are the screws in Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate?
- 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 Thorlabs CP14/M 30mm cage plate?
- 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.