The effective pore radius in screen-wick heat pipes was investigated, which is very important for the prediction of maximum heat transfer rates due to capillary limitation. An equation for the effective pore radius of the screen wicks was derived based on the model of the screen geometry. The capillary height for stainless steel and phosphor bronze screens was measured using water, ethyl alcohol, and Freon 113 as the test liquids. The effect of surface treatment (acid cleaning and oxidation) on the capillary height was also examined. From the comparison of the experimental data for water and ethyl alcohol with those for Freon 113, it was indicated that the contact angle was 24.2° for water and 16.9° for ethyl alcohol. Consequently, it was found that the effective pore radius of the screen wicks could be predicted fairly well from the expression presented in this study, and that the contact angle should be taken into consideration to evaluate the maximum capillary pressure accurately.