Thread guide

Here's how to identify the thread of your aerator in just 4 steps. Depending on your tap, the Alb Filter Duo needs a matching adapter. This guide helps you determine the thread of your aerator and choose the right adapter.

The right adapter in 4 steps

Follow this short guide to reliably determine the thread of your aerator.

  1. Remove the aerator

    1Remove the aerator

    Most taps have a jet regulator – also known as an aerator. Unscrew the jet regulator anticlockwise, by hand or with a tool (e.g. pliers with a cloth, or a coin). Important: it is the thread of the aerator that you need to determine, as this measurement decides which adapter fits.

  2. Determine the thread type

    2Determine the thread type

    Male thread (external): the threads face outwards.
    Female thread (internal): the threads are on the inside. Check whether the aerator has a male or female thread – this determines which table below applies.

  3. Measure the thread

    3Measure the thread

    Measure the diameter of the thread. This is most accurate with a calliper (high to very high accuracy); alternatively, use a ruler (medium accuracy). For male threads, measure at the outer edge of the threads; for female threads, at the inner edge. Alternatively, the dimension is often given in the tap's instructions.

  4. measure with a calliper (Male thread (external))

    Male thread (external)

    ameasure with a calliper

    Accuracy: high – very high

    The thread is measured at the outer edge of the thread teeth. To do this, position the calliper as shown in the illustration below and read off the value.

  5. measure with a ruler (Male thread (external))

    Male thread (external)

    bmeasure with a ruler

    Accuracy: medium

    Place the zero mark of the ruler at the outer edge of the thread teeth. Then read off the mm value on the opposite side of the thread.

    NOTE: because the thread is on the outside, a male thread is easier to measure with a ruler than a female thread.

  6. measure with a calliper (Female thread (internal))

    Female thread (internal)

    cmeasure with a calliper

    Accuracy: high – very high

    Place the inside jaws of the calliper at the inner edge of the thread teeth. Then read off the mm value on the opposite side of the thread.

  7. measure with a ruler (Female thread (internal))

    Female thread (internal)

    dmeasure with a ruler

    Accuracy: medium

    Place the zero mark of the ruler at the inner edge of the thread teeth. Then read off the mm value on the opposite side of the thread.

  8. Alternatively: user manual

    eTap manual

    If you have the user manual for the tap, you can often find the exact thread sizes there too.

  9. 4Compare with the table

    Compare the measured diameter with the relevant table (male or female thread) and select the recommended adapter directly.

    (See below)

Prefer a video?

  1. The thread guide on video

    In the video, Patrick explains when an adapter is needed, why there are different adapters and how to measure your thread correctly.

Male thread (external)

Does your aerator have a male thread? Find your measured diameter and add the matching adapter to your cart.

Measured diameter Adapter required
15.8 mm (M16 male) M22 male → M16 male Add to cart
16.3 mm (M16.5 male)common on IKEA models M22 male → M16.5 male Add to cart
17.8 mm (M18 male) M22 male → M18 male Add to cart
18.3 mm (M18.5 male)common on IKEA models M22 male → M18.5 male Add to cart
19.8 mm (M20 male) M22 male → M20 male Add to cart
20.8 mm (M21 male) M22 male → M21 male Add to cart
21.3 mm (M21.5 male)rare M22 male → M21.5 male Add to cart
21.8 mm (M22 male) M22 male → M22 male Add to cart
23.8 mm (M24 male)Included with the Duo M22 male → M24 male Add to cart
27.8 mm (M28 male) M22 male → M28 male Add to cart

Female thread (internal)

Does your aerator have a female thread? Find your measured diameter and add the matching adapter to your cart.

Measured diameter Adapter required
14.9 mm (M16 female) M22 male → M16 female Add to cart
16.9 mm (M18 female) M22 male → M18 female Add to cart
18.9 mm (M20 female) M22 male → M20 female Add to cart
20.9 mm (M22 female)Standard — No adapter needed
26.9 mm (M28 female) M22 male → M28 female Add to cart

Coarse and fine threads (pipe threads)

Can't clearly identify your thread? Rare coarse threads (pipe threads) have a greater spacing between the threads. If none of the values above fits, it is usually one of these inch threads.

Thread type Adapter required
3/8 inch male thread≈ 16.7 mm M22 male → 3/8 inch male Add to cart
1/2 inch male thread≈ 21.0 mm M22 male → 1/2 inch male Add to cart
3/8 inch female thread≈ 15.3 mm M22 male → 3/8 inch female Add to cart

How to install the Alb Filter Duo with an adapter

  1. 1Unscrew the aerator

    Unscrew the existing jet regulator (aerator) from the tap anticlockwise.

  2. 2Screw on the adapter

    Screw the matching adapter onto the thread of the tap. Make sure it forms a tight seal.

  3. 3Screw on the Alb Filter Duo

    Fit the Alb Filter Duo onto the adapter and tighten it by hand. Done – filtered water is flowing.

Personal advice on your thread

Stuck? Write to us at info@schnarwiler.ch and ideally include: a photo of the aerator with the measuring tool held against it, a photo of the installation situation and a picture of the tap. Together we'll find the right adapter.

Personal advice on your thread

Free adapter exchange

We recommend checking thread compatibility before you buy. If the M24 adapter supplied doesn't fit, we'll be happy to exchange it for the right adapter. Just send us a message with your order number.