Screw Size Symbol Help

[TracerRound]

I am looking to replace some lost screws on a plastic ride on toy. The manual shows a Phi symbol on the line item and I am not sure what that means or how to get that to be the sizes I would find at a box store. I attached the screen shot of it since I can't add the symbol in text.

Can anyone help me out on how to read or convert this to something I can buy?

Phi symbol 4x12 round head screw

 

[holcombej]

The PHI symbol you are referring to means diameter. In this case metric (4 millimeters) by 12 mm long. It doesn’t specify the thread size (spacing) so you probably need to remove another one and take it to the hardware store so they can check for thread size. If it’s not a threaded screw, it would probably be a sheet metal screw type.

 

[Dee2]

Usually means diameter in engineering design drawings.

 

[AllanD]

If it is screwed into plastic I bet it is a sheet metal thread

 

[Dave Richards]

The symbol should really look as shown in my screenshot but whoever typed the text didn't know that. Ø (capital letter O with stroke) would probably be a better choice.

There are screws specifically for plastic with a different thread than sheet metal screws. Depending on how the screws are used and the kind of plastic, a sheet metal screw or possibly even a machine screw could work.

 

[TracerRound]

Thank you all for the help! I had found the symbol with the slash online but since it was different I didn't want to assume. My 4yr old managed to get 3 of the 5 screws off with a screwdriver "somewhere in the yard" so I do have two left to reference.

 

[Gotcha6]

Check too to see if the threads are a double helix as this is commonly used on plastics.

 

[iclark]

Thank you all for the help! I had found the symbol with the slash online but since it was different I didn't want to assume. My 4yr old managed to get 3 of the 5 screws off with a screwdriver "somewhere in the yard" so I do have two left to reference.

They make a 2-wheeled pickup magnetic tool for picking up screws, nails, and steel shaving in a work area (like after a roof install).

The 4yo might enjoy pushing it all over the backyard. Otherwise, wear safety goggles and do not allow the 4yo in the backyard ever again when you are mowing (especially if you use a side-discharge mower). Those screws can become very nasty projectiles if the mower picks them up and shoots them out.