Abstract: A screw-threaded joint for a pipe has a male portion (10) and a female portion (12), having complementary screw threads (11, 13). The male thread (11) extends to a position adjacent a complementary stop shoulder (18) on the female portion (12) having a recess of conical cross-section having a rounded apex. The recess is adapted to receive a head portion having a conical cross-section with a rounded apex, the radius of curvature of which is greater than that of the recess's apex providing a seal with improved stress dispersal properties upon application of torque. The wall (33) of the cone's in-use outwardly facing surface on the male portion (10) can subtend an angle of from 28-36° to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The corresponding cone wall on the female portion can subtend an angle of from 28-38° with the same axis. The male portion (10) can comprise a second stress dispersing surface (41), concave in shape.