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 Imperial Plated Steel Clevises designed for use with compatible push-pull control cables, throttle cables, shifter cables and mechanical linkage applications.

So, which Imperial clevis do you need?

The easiest way to select the right one is to check three key measurements:

1. The thread size and type

2. The required pin diameter

3. 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

• Custom control cable assemblies

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

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, there are several clevis options available depending on the pin diameter required by your lever or linkage.

The Industrial & Cable Group range includes three 1/4-28 UNF options:

• 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 Clevis Comparison Table

The table below provides a quick reference for the Imperial Plated Steel Clevis range.

10-32 Threaded Clevises

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

21410 — 10-32 Thread × 3/16" Pin

The 21410 has a 10-32 (3/16" UNF) thread and a 3/16" pin hole.

This is the smallest pin option in the range and can be useful where both the cable and mating linkage use smaller connection dimensions.

21412 — 10-32 Thread × 1/4" Pin

The 21412 retains the 10-32 thread but increases the pin diameter to 1/4".

This is a useful option when your cable has a 10-32 threaded end but the mating lever or linkage requires a 1/4" pin.

21414 — 10-32 Thread × 5/16" Pin

The 21414 provides a 5/16" pin hole with the same 10-32 threaded cable connection.

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.

Choose this clevis where your cable requires a 1/4-28 threaded connection and the mating lever or linkage accepts a 1/4" pin.

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.

This makes it the middle option within the 1/4-28 range.

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".

This provides a simple way to select the clevis based on the connection required at the lever or linkage.

A quick way to remember the 1/4-28 range:

Same cable thread — different pin sizes

This is an important distinction when replacing an existing clevis.

5/16-24 UNF Threaded Clevises

The next size in the range is 5/16-24 UNF.

21422 — 5/16-24 × 5/16" Pin

The 21422 features a 5/16-24 UNF thread and a 5/16" pin hole.

It is suitable for compatible push-pull control cables and mechanical linkage applications where these dimensions are required.

21424 — 5/16-24 RH × 3/8" Pin

The 21424 uses a 5/16-24 right-hand thread with a 3/8" pin hole.

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

If you are unsure whether your existing cable or component uses a right-hand thread, check the original component or confirm the thread specification before ordering.

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.

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 this particular range.

It features:

• 1/2-20 UNF thread

• 1/2" pin hole

• 3.00" 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.

What Does UNF Mean?

You may notice that several clevises in the range 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.

Common sizes in this range include:

• 10-32

• 1/4-28 UNF

• 5/16-24 UNF

• 3/8-24 UNF

• 1/2-20 UNF

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 range includes:

• 3/16"

• 1/4"

• 5/16"

• 3/8"

• 1/2"

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

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, it is best to confirm the cable thread specification before selecting the clevis.

Imperial 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 rather than the clevis alone:

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 Imperial Plated Steel Clevis.

If you are replacing an unknown or obsolete clevis, take measurements of the thread, pin hole and thread-to-pin-centre distance before ordering.

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 Imperial Clevis Do I Need?

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

Industrial & Cable Group's range of Imperial Plated Steel Clevises provides multiple combinations to help match compatible push-pull control cables, throttle cables, shifter cables and mechanical linkage applications.