Chicago Screw Size Guide
Chicago Screw Size Guide
Choosing the right Chicago screw size mostly comes down to the total thickness of the materials you are fastening together. Wildwood Tactical black Chicago screw sets are commonly used for Kydex holsters, leather holsters, knife sheaths, belt clips, straps, and tactical gear repairs.
Quick Size Recommendation
- 1/4 inch posts: Best for thinner, lower-profile fastening points.
- 3/8 inch posts: Good for medium-thickness material stacks, washers, spacers, and many belt clip setups.
- 1/2 inch posts: Best for thicker applications where more post length is needed.
- Assorted kits: Best when you are unsure which size you need or want options for multiple projects.
How to Choose the Right Post Length
Measure the total thickness of everything the post needs to pass through. This may include Kydex, leather, belt clips, straps, rubber washers, spacers, or other mounting hardware.
The post should be long enough to fully engage the screw threads, but not so long that the screw bottoms out before the parts are tightened.
Common Uses by Size
| Size | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| 1/4 Inch | Lower-profile holster hardware, thinner leather, Kydex projects, sheath repairs, and general replacement fastening. |
| 3/8 Inch | Medium-thickness holsters, belt clips, washer/spacer setups, leather projects, and tactical gear repairs. |
| 1/2 Inch | Thicker material stacks, larger mounting points, and projects requiring additional post length. |
| Assorted | Repair kits, DIY projects, holster makers, and situations where you want multiple sizes on hand. |
When in Doubt, Choose an Assortment
If you are replacing old hardware and are not sure of the exact size, an assorted kit is usually the safest choice. It gives you multiple post lengths to test before final assembly.
Helpful Tip
For a secure fit, test the hardware before final tightening. Make sure the screw threads engage smoothly and the parts pull together firmly without forcing the screw.