How to read a turning holder code
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Turning holder codes follow ISO 5608. Each letter or number tells you one thing about the holder. Once you can read it, you can match a holder to an insert without guessing.
MWLNR 2525 M08, position by position
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clamping | M | Top clamp plus the hole in the insert (multi-clamp) |
| 2. Insert shape | W | Trigon insert, as in WNMG |
| 3. Style (approach angle) | L | 95 degree approach angle |
| 4. Clearance | N | 0 degree clearance, used with negative inserts |
| 5. Hand | R | Right hand (L is left, N is neutral) |
| 6. Shank | 2525 | 25 mm high by 25 mm wide |
| 7. Length | M | 150 mm overall (K is 125 mm, P is 170 mm) |
| 8. Insert size | 08 | Matches the size in the insert code, such as WNMG 08 |
The clamping letter can also be S (screw through the hole), P (lever or pin lock) or C (clamp on top of an insert without a hole).
SER 2020 K16
Threading holders use a shorter code. S is screw clamping, E is external, and R is right hand. 2020 is a 20 by 20 mm shank, K is 125 mm length, and 16 is the insert size. Our SER M16 threading holder takes size 16 external threading inserts (16ER).
Holders we sell
| Holder | Insert |
|---|---|
| MWLNR/L M08 | WNMG 08 |
| MCLNL/R M12 | CNMG 12 |
| MDJNL/R M15 | DNMG 1506 |
| MTJNR/L | TNMG 16 |
| SVJBL/R M16 | VBMT 16 |
The second letter matches the first letter of the insert code: W with WNMG, C with CNMG, D with DNMG, T with TNMG, V with VBMT.
Which should I buy?
- Start with the insert. Read the insert code you already use and pick the holder with the matching shape and size.
- Choose the hand. R is right hand and L is left hand. Pick the one that suits your machine and operation.
- Check the shank. Your tool post must take 20 by 20 or 25 by 25.
- Left and right hand share spares. Our WNMG holder listing notes that the spare set is the same for both hands.