3/8" UNC photo thread screw countersunk head 1 1/2"

3/8" UNC photo thread countersunk screw – the unobtrusive but crucial foundation of your gear

Sometimes it’s not the big, shiny camera body that makes the difference, but that one rather unspectacular part that simply works reliably. That’s exactly where the 3/8" UNC photo thread countersunk screw with a length of 1 1/2" comes in. It holds what it’s supposed to hold – literally.

Precise 3/8" UNC thread for photo and video mounts

The heart of this screw is the clean 3/8" UNC right-hand thread, just as you know it from professional photography. It fits typical tripod heads, camera plates, adapters, quick-release bases, or other accessories designed for the classic 3/8" photo thread. Thanks to the precisely cut UNC thread, the screw engages firmly and without play, which is extremely important for heavy setups such as a DSLR with telephoto lens, video rig, or slider so that nothing wobbles or slowly comes loose.

Countersunk head for a flush fit and clean installation

The countersunk head is designed to fit neatly into matching recesses and sit almost flush with the surface. This not only looks tidy, it also prevents anything from snagging when you slide your equipment into your bag or drag it across the floor. With a head height of about 0.234" (around 5.94 mm) and a head diameter of approx. 0.781" (about 19.8 mm), you get a head that offers enough contact area without being unnecessarily bulky.

18-8 stainless steel for real-world use

The screw is made from 18-8 stainless steel. This is not some exotic marketing material, but a proven stainless steel that has been reliably used in practice for years, whether in the studio, out in the rain, or on dusty locations. Moisture, sweaty hands, temperature fluctuations – this material is made for exactly that. So you don’t have to worry every season about whether the screw has seized up with corrosion.

7/32" hex socket – tighten firmly without ruining the edges

The head is driven by a 7/32" hex socket. This is an imperial size that is more common in the photo sector, but not necessarily included in every standard DIY-store set. Important: the matching 7/32" hex key is not included. You therefore need a separate key in exactly this size so you can tighten the screw securely without rounding out the socket. Especially when you’re working with higher torque, for example on heavy tripod plates or rig components, this defined hex socket pays off because you can tighten in a controlled and powerful way.

Well thought-out dimensions for versatile applications

With its length of 1 1/2", this screw is ideal for mounts where you screw through plates, clamps, or adapters and still want to have enough thread engagement in the target thread. The combination of 3/8" UNC thread, countersunk head, and the specified head dimensions makes it a kind of standard solution for many photo and video projects – from custom-milled tripod plates to special adapters that you might only use once a year, but that then simply need to work.

Stable connection for photo and video equipment

Whether you’re fixing a camera plate to a tripod head, attaching a rail to a rig, or building a custom mount for studio equipment: this countersunk screw provides a stable, form-fit connection. The right-hand UNC thread is the classic standard in photography, so you can easily integrate it into existing setups. Especially if you’re not in the mood for wobbly improvisations or “it’ll hold somehow” solutions, a properly fitting screw like this is often the more pleasant, low-stress option.

Note on using the hex socket

There is one point we explicitly want to highlight because it’s often overlooked: this screw absolutely requires a special imperial 7/32" hex key. Without this exact size, the key will either sit too loosely or not fit properly at all, which can damage the hex socket over time. So make sure you have a suitable key ready when you integrate the screw into your setup, and you’ll enjoy a clean, reliably releasable connection for a long time.