Metric vs Imperial Clevises: How to Choose the Right Clevis for Your Control Cable

Choosing the right clevis for a control cable can seem like a simple job — until you discover that there are different thread sizes, pin diameters and dimensions to consider.

If you are replacing an existing clevis, building a new push-pull control cable assembly or trying to match a cable to an existing lever or linkage, selecting the correct clevis is important for achieving a secure and reliable mechanical connection.

Industrial & Cable Group stocks a range of Metric and Imperial Plated Steel Clevises designed for compatible push-pull control cables, throttle cables, shifter cables and mechanical linkage applications.

So, which clevis do you need?

The easiest way to select the right one is to check four key factors:

1. The thread size and type

2. The thread pitch

3. The required pin diameter

4. The distance from the base of the thread to the centre of the pin hole

What Is a Clevis?

A clevis is a mechanical connection fitting used to connect the threaded end of a control cable to a lever, linkage, actuator or other moving component.

For control cable applications, the clevis screws onto the threaded end of the cable. A pin or bolt can then pass through the clevis and the mating lever or linkage, allowing the cable to transfer push or pull movement.

Clevises are commonly found in applications involving:

• Push-pull control cables
• Throttle cables
• Shifter cables
• Engine controls
• Industrial machinery
• Mechanical actuators
• Linkage systems
• Agricultural and construction equipment
• Go-karts and specialist vehicles
• Custom control cable assemblies

The clevis needs to match both the cable thread and the mating component. A clevis that looks physically similar may not necessarily be the correct replacement.

Metric or Imperial – Which Clevis Do I Need?

The first question to answer is whether your control cable or linkage uses a metric or imperial thread.

Metric threads are identified using the letter M, followed by the nominal thread diameter and thread pitch. For example:

M6 x 1.00

This means a nominal 6mm thread diameter with a 1.00mm thread pitch.

Imperial threads are generally identified by their nominal diameter and threads per inch. Many of the Imperial clevises in this range use UNF – Unified National Fine threads.

For example:

1/4-28 UNF

means:

• 1/4" nominal thread diameter

• 28 threads per inch

• Unified National Fine thread

It is important not to assume that metric and imperial threads are interchangeable simply because their diameters appear similar.

Match the complete thread specification before selecting a clevis.

Metric and Imperial Clevis Comparison

The table below provides a complete comparison of the 17 Metric and Imperial Plated Steel Clevises currently stocked by Industrial & Cable Group.

The Imperial range provides multiple pin options for the same cable thread in several sizes. The Metric range provides M5, M6, M8 and M10 thread options, including short and long configurations where available.

Always check the individual product specifications before ordering, particularly where a specific reach or pin diameter is critical to the installation.

How Do I Choose the Correct Imperial Clevis?

The most important thing to remember is:

Match the cable thread first, then match the pin size and installation dimensions.

For example, if your control cable has a 1/4-28 UNF threaded end, Industrial & Cable Group offers three clevis options depending on the pin diameter required by your lever or linkage:

• 21416 – 1/4" pin

• 21418 – 5/16" pin

• 21420 – 3/8" pin

This means you shouldn't simply search for a "1/4-28 clevis" and select the first result.

You also need to establish which pin diameter your application requires.

Imperial Clevises by Thread Size

10-32 Threaded Clevises

The 10-32 clevises are the smaller threaded options in the Imperial range and are available with three different pin diameters.

21410 — 10-32 × 3/16" Pin

The 21410 has a 10-32 thread and a 3/16" pin hole, with a 1.563" distance from the thread base to the centre of the pin hole.

21412 — 10-32 × 1/4" Pin

The 21412 retains the 10-32 thread but increases the pin diameter to 1/4", with a 2.000" thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

21414 — 10-32 × 5/16" Pin

The 21414 provides a 5/16" pin hole with the same 10-32 threaded cable connection and a 2.250" thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

This illustrates why both measurements matter when choosing a clevis. The cable thread may be identical between several products while the required pin diameter changes.

1/4-28 UNF Threaded Clevises

The 1/4-28 UNF range is particularly useful because Industrial & Cable Group offers three different pin sizes.

21416 — 1/4-28 × 1/4" Pin

The 21416 uses a 1/4-28 UNF thread and has a 1/4" pin hole.

21418 — 1/4-28 × 5/16" Pin

The 21418 uses the same 1/4-28 UNF thread but has a larger 5/16" pin hole.

21420 — 1/4-28 × 3/8" Pin

The 21420 again uses a 1/4-28 UNF thread but increases the pin hole to 3/8".

A quick way to remember this group is:

Same cable thread — different pin sizes.

5/16-24 UNF Threaded Clevises

21422 — 5/16-24 × 5/16" Pin

The 21422 features a 5/16-24 UNF thread and a 5/16" pin hole, with a 2.250" thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

21424 — 5/16-24 RH × 3/8" Pin

The 21424 uses a 5/16-24 right-hand thread with a 3/8" pin hole and a 2.250" thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

The RH designation means right-hand thread, so it is important to check thread direction when replacing an existing fitting.

3/8-24 UNF Clevis

21426 — 3/8-24 × 3/8" Pin

The 21426 features a 3/8-24 UNF thread and a 3/8" pin hole, with a 2.500" thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

It is one of the larger Imperial Plated Steel Clevises in the range and is designed for compatible push-pull control cables and light mechanical linkage applications.

1/2-20 UNF Clevis

21428 — 1/2-20 × 1/2" Pin

The 21428 is the largest clevis in the Imperial range.

It features:

• 1/2-20 UNF thread

• 1/2" pin hole

• 3.000" thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension

It is designed for compatible larger push-pull cable and linkage applications where a 1/2" threaded connection and 1/2" pin are required.

Metric Clevises by Thread Size

The Metric range provides M5, M6, M8 and M10 threaded clevises, with different configurations available to suit the required installation dimensions.

M5 Metric Clevises

21434 — MTC-5S Short

The 21434 uses an M5 x 0.80 thread and a 5mm pin hole. The distance from the thread base to the centre of the pin hole is 20mm.

21436 — MTC-5L Long

The 21436 uses the same M5 x 0.80 thread and 5mm pin hole but provides a longer 30mm thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

The two M5 options therefore provide:

• 21434 – 20mm reach

• 21436 – 30mm reach

M6 Metric Clevises

21444 — MTC-6S Short

The 21444 uses an M6 x 1.00 thread and 6mm pin hole, with a 24mm thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

21442 — MTC-6L Long

The 21442 uses the same M6 x 1.00 thread and 6mm pin hole but provides 36mm of reach.

The M6 options therefore provide:

• 21444 – 24mm reach

• 21442 – 36mm reach

This is an important distinction when replacing an existing clevis or working with a fixed linkage geometry.

M8 Metric Clevises

21446 — MTC-8S

The 21446 has an M8 x 1.25 thread, an 8mm pin hole and a 32mm thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension.

21448 — MTC-8L Long

The 21448 also uses an M8 x 1.25 thread and 8mm pin hole but provides 48mm of reach.

The M8 options therefore provide:

• 21446 – 32mm reach

• 21448 – 48mm reach

M10 Metric Clevis

21450 — MTC-10S-ZCHF

The 21450 is the largest clevis in the Metric range.

It features:

• M10 x 1.50 thread

• 10mm pin hole

• 40mm thread-base-to-pin-centre dimension

It is designed for compatible larger push-pull cable and mechanical linkage applications.

What Does UNF Mean?

You may notice that several Imperial clevises are described using UNF, such as 1/4-28 UNF or 3/8-24 UNF.

UNF stands for Unified National Fine thread.

The number before the dash identifies the nominal diameter, while the number after the dash identifies the number of threads per inch.

For example:

1/4-28 UNF

means:

• 1/4" nominal thread diameter

• 28 threads per inch

• Unified National Fine thread

It is important to match the complete thread specification rather than simply matching the diameter.

What Does RH Mean on a Clevis?

Some fittings may specify RH, meaning right-hand thread.

A conventional right-hand thread tightens when turned clockwise.

When replacing a clevis, don't assume that all threaded components are interchangeable simply because the diameter appears to be the same. Thread pitch and thread direction can both affect compatibility.

The 21424, for example, is specified as a 5/16-24 RH clevis.

How Do I Measure an Existing Clevis?

If you are replacing an existing clevis and don't know the part number, there are several measurements worth taking.

1. Measure the Cable Thread

Measure the threaded portion of the cable and identify the thread specification if possible.

The Imperial range includes:

• 10-32

• 1/4-28 UNF

• 5/16-24 UNF

• 3/8-24 UNF

• 1/2-20 UNF

The Metric range includes:

• M5 x 0.80

• M6 x 1.00

• M8 x 1.25

• M10 x 1.50

If you have access to thread gauges, these can help identify thread pitch. Alternatively, the cable manufacturer or original equipment specifications may provide the thread information.

2. Measure the Pin Diameter

Measure the hole in the clevis or the pin used by the existing linkage.

The Imperial range includes:

• 3/16"

• 1/4"

• 5/16"

• 3/8"

• 1/2"

The Metric range includes:

• 5mm

• 6mm

• 8mm

• 10mm

3. Check the Thread-to-Pin-Centre Dimension

This measurement is easy to overlook.

The distance from the base of the threaded section to the centre of the pin hole determines where the clevis connects relative to the end of the cable.

If this dimension is significantly different from the original component, it can affect the geometry and available movement of the control system.

Which Clevis Do I Need for My Control Cable?

A simple way to narrow down the options is to start with your cable thread.

If your cable is 10-32:

Choose between:

• 21410 – 3/16" pin

• 21412 – 1/4" pin

• 21414 – 5/16" pin

If your cable is 1/4-28 UNF:

Choose between:

• 21416 – 1/4" pin

• 21418 – 5/16" pin

• 21420 – 3/8" pin

If your cable is 5/16-24 UNF:

Choose between:

• 21422 – 5/16" pin

• 21424 – 3/8" pin, right-hand thread

If your cable is 3/8-24 UNF:

Choose:

• 21426 – 3/8" pin

If your cable is 1/2-20 UNF:

Choose:

• 21428 – 1/2" pin

If your cable is M5 x 0.80:

Choose between:

• 21434 – 20mm reach

• 21436 – 30mm reach

If your cable is M6 x 1.00:

Choose between:

• 21444 – 24mm reach

• 21442 – 36mm reach

If your cable is M8 x 1.25:

Choose between:

• 21446 – 32mm reach

• 21448 – 48mm reach

If your cable is M10 x 1.50:

Choose:

• 21450 – 40mm reach

Can I Use a Clevis With a Different Thread Size?

Generally, no.

The threaded portion of the clevis needs to be compatible with the threaded end of the control cable.

A 1/4-28 clevis should not be substituted for a 5/16-24 clevis simply because the pin diameter is correct.

Similarly, matching the thread diameter alone is not enough if the thread pitch or direction is different.

If you are unsure, confirm the cable thread specification before selecting the clevis.

What Applications Use Clevises?

Clevises are used across a wide range of mechanical control systems.

Push-Pull Control Cables

Push-pull cables transmit movement in both directions, allowing a control lever to remotely operate another mechanism.

Clevises can be used at the cable end to connect the cable to the operating lever.

Throttle Controls

Clevises can connect mechanical throttle cables to throttle levers on engines, machinery and vehicles.

The correct clevis ensures that cable movement is transferred accurately to the throttle mechanism.

Shifter and Gear Controls

Mechanical shifter cables often use threaded end fittings and clevis-style connections to connect the cable to a gear-selection mechanism.

Selecting the correct thread and clevis dimensions is important because cable travel and lever geometry directly affect gear selection.

Brake and Linkage Systems

Clevises can also be used in light mechanical brake and linkage applications.

The clevis provides a pivoting connection that allows the lever to move while remaining connected to the control cable or linkage.

For any brake or other safety-critical application, the component must be specifically suitable for the required loads and operating conditions.

Go-Karts and Specialist Vehicles

Mechanical control cables and clevises are commonly used in compact vehicle applications where throttle, brake, clutch or other mechanical controls need to be remotely operated.

Agricultural, Construction and Industrial Machinery

Control cables are widely used in agricultural and industrial equipment for functions such as throttle control, PTO operation, valve controls and other mechanical functions.

Clevises provide a simple mechanical connection between the cable and the machine's control mechanism.

Why Use a Plated Steel Clevis?

The clevises supplied by Industrial & Cable Group are manufactured from steel and finished with clear zinc plating.

The steel construction provides a robust mechanical connection, while the plated finish provides protection against corrosion in general industrial and mechanical environments.

The appropriate material and finish should always be selected according to the operating environment.

Applications exposed to severe corrosion, chemicals, saltwater or other demanding conditions may require components specifically rated for those conditions.

Can I Replace Just the Clevis?

In many cases, yes.

If the control cable itself is still in good condition, replacing a worn or damaged clevis may be a practical solution.

However, it is worth checking the entire cable assembly at the same time.

Look for:

• Excessive cable stiffness

• Corrosion

• Kinks or crushed sections

• Worn threads

• Damaged end fittings

• Excessive movement or backlash

• Wear in the lever or pin connection

If the cable is also worn, replacing the cable and clevis together may provide a more reliable long-term solution.

Industrial & Cable Group supplies both control cables and associated cable-end hardware, including clevises, ball joints, rod ends, cable clamps and pivots.

Imperial and Metric Clevises for Push-Pull Control Cable Assemblies

Clevises are just one part of a complete control cable assembly.

Depending on the application, Industrial & Cable Group can provide a range of push-pull control cables and cable accessories, allowing you to select components that work together as part of a complete mechanical control system.

When designing or replacing a control cable assembly, consider the complete system:

Control cable → threaded end → clevis → pin → lever/linkage

Each connection needs to be compatible and correctly dimensioned.

Need Help Choosing the Right Clevis?

If you know the thread size and pin diameter you require, the comparison table above makes it easy to narrow down the correct Metric or Imperial Plated Steel Clevis.

If you are replacing an unknown or obsolete clevis, take measurements of the:

Thread → Pin Hole → Thread-to-Pin-Centre Distance

Then determine whether the original component uses a metric or imperial thread.

If you're still unsure, Industrial & Cable Group can help you identify the closest suitable control cable fitting from the available range.

Quick Reference: Which Clevis Do I Need?

The key is simple: match the thread, match the pin, then check the dimensions.

Industrial & Cable Group's range of Metric and Imperial Plated Steel Clevises provides multiple combinations to help match compatible push-pull control cables, throttle cables, shifter cables and mechanical linkage applications.  If you need advice, we're here to help - Contact Us to discuss!