Tool Holder ANSI Designation Chart

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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.

TOOL HOLDER CODE BUILDER
Code – – – – – – – –

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
A
B
C
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.

Ready to cut

Once the geometry is settled, the grade and the holder decide how long it lasts. Browse the turning line built for tight tolerances under aggressive feeds.

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