Interactive Code Builder
Tool Holder ANSI Designation Chart
Every ANSI turning toolholder is identified by an 8-position code — one letter or number per position, in a fixed order. Build a code below to find the right holder, or decode one you already have.
How the code reads
Each position in the designation has a fixed meaning, always in this order.
1MInsert Holding Method
2WInsert Shape
3LToolholder Style
4NInsert Relief Angle
5RHand
616Shank Size
74Insert IC
8DOverall Length
Build or decode a code
Choose a value for each position — the full designation and a plain-language summary build automatically.
Full reference tables
Every value for every position, for lookup or double-checking a print callout.
1 · Insert Holding Method (M)
| M |
Clamp and lock pin |
| P |
Lock pin only |
| C |
Clamp only |
| S |
Screw lock only |
| D |
Wedge lock only |
2 · Insert Shape (W)
| C |
80° diamond |
| D |
55° diamond |
| K |
Parallelogram |
| L |
Rectangle |
| R |
Round |
| S |
Square |
| T |
Triangle |
| V |
35° diamond |
| W |
Trigon |
3 · Toolholder Style (L)
| A |
0° side cutting, straight shank |
| B |
15° side cutting, straight shank |
| C |
0° end cutting, straight shank |
| D |
45° side cutting, straight shank |
| F |
0° end cutting, offset shank |
| G |
0° side cutting, offset shank |
| J |
-3° side cutting, offset shank |
| K |
15° end cutting, offset shank |
| L |
5° side & end cut, offset shank |
| M |
40° side cutting, straight shank |
| N |
27° side cutting, straight shank |
| R |
15° side cutting, offset shank |
| S |
45° side cutting, offset shank |
| T |
30° side cutting, offset shank |
| U |
-3° end cutting, offset shank |
| V |
17.5° side cutting, straight shank |
| Y |
50° side cutting, straight shank |
4 · Insert Relief Angle (N)
| N |
0° |
| A |
3° |
| B |
5° |
| C |
7° |
| P |
11° |
| D |
15° |
| E |
20° |
| F |
25° |
| G |
30° |
5 · Hand (R)
| R |
Right hand |
| L |
Left hand |
| N |
Neutral |
6 · Shank Size
| 5 |
5/16" × 5/16" |
| 6 |
3/8" × 3/8" |
| 8 |
1/2" × 1/2" |
| 10 |
5/8" × 5/8" |
| 12 |
3/4" × 3/4" |
| 16 |
1" × 1" |
| 85 |
1-1/4" × 1" |
| 20 |
1-1/4" × 1-1/4" |
| 24 |
1-1/2" × 1-1/2" |
| 86 |
1-1/2" × 1" |
| 32 |
2" × 2" |
7 · Insert IC
| 1.2 |
5/32" |
| 1.5 |
3/16" |
| 1.8 |
7/32" |
| 2 |
1/4" |
| 2.5 |
5/16" |
| 3 |
3/8" |
| 4 |
1/2" |
| 5 |
5/8" |
| 6 |
3/4" |
| 8 |
1" |
| 10 |
1-1/4" |
8 · Overall Length
| A |
4" |
| B |
4.5" |
| C |
5" |
| D |
6" |
| E |
7" |
| F |
8" |
| M |
4" |
| N |
4.5" |
| P |
5" |
| R |
6" |
| S |
7" |
| T |
8" |
Ready to shop toolholders? Browse our full turning toolholder range, or decode the insert that goes with it.
Reference: standard ANSI turning toolholder designation system (8-position code). Not all letter/number combinations are valid or stocked for every position — confirm availability before ordering.
