Metallics JDS168V 10 x 1-1/2 in. 1/4 Indented Hex Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

The JDS168V is a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet (sharp) point, so it starts on its own in thin sheet metal, and it forms its own thread as it drives. In heavier gauge, in hard stock, or where you need the hole located precisely, drill a pilot sized to the screw's minor diameter. The thread is 12 threads per inch, a coarse spacing-type thread per ASME B18.6.4 intended for sheet metal rather than for machine-screw tapped holes.

Metallics lists the JDS168V as both ARRA compliant and Buy American compliant. Country of origin is shown as multiple, so if your submittal requires a single named country of manufacture, confirm the lot origin on the packaging before you submit.

They ship 500 to a jar, and 500 count is the order minimum, so the smallest quantity you can buy is one full jar. The packed jar weighs 4.23 lbs.

It has an integral washer face under the hex head, 0.384 to 0.414 inch outside diameter and 0.019 to 0.031 inch thick. That spreads the clamp load over a slightly wider footprint than a plain hex head, but it is metal, not a rubber or neoprene seal. If you need a weather seal on an exterior panel, add a bonded washer or use a sealing-washer screw instead.

The screw is carbon steel with a zinc finish, which handles indoor and protected-damp service but is not a stainless or hot-dip coating. For permanently wet, coastal, or chemically aggressive exposure, specify a stainless steel tapping screw instead.

Minimum torsional strength on the JDS168V is 48 lb-in, with case hardness at Rockwell C28-38. That is enough for normal powered driving into sheet metal, but an impact driver set to full output will twist the head off a #10 screw in hard stock. Run a clutch screwgun or dial the impact back, and stop as the washer face seats.

Dimensions are to ASME B18.6.3-2010 and the thread is to ASME B18.6.4. Steel is in the AISI 1016 to 1024 range. One caveat Metallics states: dimensions for the #9 diameter sizes in this family fall outside ASME B18.6.4, so if you are specifying #9 rather than this #10, flag it on the submittal.

It's a #10 diameter screw, 1-1/2 inches long, with 12 threads per inch. At that length you can pass through furring, a layer of panel, or stacked sheet metal and still get several threads of bite in the base material. If you only have thin sheet to grab, a shorter #10 leaves less protruding point on the back side.