GoPro Thumb Screw – Resource Guide & My Recommended Replacement Thumb Screws
The GoPro thumb screw has been part of the mounting system for the camera system since its inception many years ago.
The Hero 11 Black comes with a curved adhesive mount, buckle and a single thumb screw. So it looks as though the thumb screw is going to be around for some time until GoPro adopts a magnetic mounting system similar to the DJI Action 2 camera.
Read further to find out which thumb screws I recommend as a replacement to the standard GoPro screws.
What is a GoPro Thumb Screw?
In essence the thumb screw is a metal screw with an ABS plastic head for tightening the screw with your fingers into various mounting systems for the camera.
If you own a GoPro you’ll be spending a degree of time using a thumb screw to mount the camera so it’s worth knowing a little bit of information about this small but significant piece of kit.
Thumb Screw Specification
There is some debate as to the actual size and specification of GoPro thumb screws and nuts used to mount the camera. The company is not too forthcoming in providing an official specification. This is fine as it’s not rocket science to figure out.
Remember there are both metric and imperial measurements to contend with, so I’ll reference both measurement systems where possible.
GoPro Screw Size
The screw thread size in metric is 5 millimeters or more commonly known as M5 with a 0.8 mm standard thread pitch.
The closest size comparison to M5 in the imperial measurement system is 10-32. The number 10 is purely for reference and has no size designated. The 32 number refers to the number of threads per inch.
The diameter of the screw in imperial is 3/16″ which in metric is (4.76 mm). As you can see the two measurement systems are very close in size but not exactly the same when it comes to diameter of the screw.
GoPro Mount Screw Hole Size
If you take all of the sizes and specifications of the screws in both measurement systems mentioned above. The most important factor is that both sizes fit inside the screw holes of a GoPro Mount.
With that in mind, when it comes to using replacement or alternative screws to the ones supplied with GoPro mounts. As long as they’re one of either M5 or 10-32 then you’re good to go.
A word of note: Try not to mix the different sizes up. For example a metric M5 thread tightened onto a 10-32 acorn nut.
Thread Length
When it comes to thread length the screws vary from supplier. Anywhere between 18 mm (0.708”) & 20 mm (0.787”) is the norm.
I’d suggest no longer than 20 mm if you’re going down the bespoke route. Any longer and the screw won’t tighten enough to secure the GoPro to the mount.
Battery Door
It’s worth considering which side of the camera body you fix the thumb screw. The reason being the thumb screw will obscure the battery door when it’s attached on the door side of the camera. This means having to remove the thumb screw when changing batteries.
Screw Head Length
If you take a look at the picture above comparing the length of the screws, you’ll notice the head of the screw where you actually tighten the screw with your fingers varies in length too.
It’s best to have a variety of different thumb screw lengths in your GoPro camera kit. The short thumb screws are essential as part of an invisible selfie stick set up.
The longer screws are more suited to “on body” mounts and clamps such as chest straps. The reason being they’re easier to grab with your fingers while wearing the mount.
Different Types Of Thumb Screw
Not only do the size and length vary between screws but also the material used to manufacture them too. The screw heads are made mostly from ABS black plastic.
Over time with exposure to ultraviolet light and water. Plastic screw heads tend to go brittle leading to fracture or failure. I suggest upgrading any plastic thumb screws that you have to a set of aluminum finished screws.
Replacement GoPro Thumb Screws
You can find a set of replacement screws online quite easily. As mentioned I’d look for a set of aluminum machine finished thumb screws.
Most sets of replacement screws come in sets of three. Two short screws, plus a single long screw. Along with the acorn nuts and small o-rings. Smatree is a brand I would recommend taking a look at.
Camera Thumb Screw Wrench
Most replacement screw sets also come with a thumb screw wrench. This is useful to have when in cold weather and your fingers are too numb to unscrew from the mount.
If you’re mounting the camera onto surfaces or objects that experience a lot of vibration such as a trail bike handlebars.
Using a wrench to add half a turn of tightening to the screw head is best practice. I’d also use the o-rings that come supplied to help the screw from loosening.
Alternative Screw Options
There are a few alternatives to the traditional screw / acorn nut combination to secure a Gopro camera to a mount.
For those who are based in countries who use the metric system. A socket head (Allen) screw M5 x 20mm makes a great alternative. This is only suitable for mounting the camera where it will remain in place for a period of time.
Mic Bergsma over on his YouTube channel has an imperial size equivalent. Mic shows his viewers how he uses the Alen screw head with his snorkeling face mask. I’d suggest taking a look at his channel for other GoPro / action camera guides and information too.