Metallics QTEKD7 10 x 1 in. 5/16 Head Quadrive Self-Drilling & Tapping Screws - #2 Drill Point - Domestic Steel Zinc - Each

The Metallics QTEKD7 uses a #2 drill point, which is the light-duty point sized for thin-gauge steel framing and sheet metal, not structural steel. For metal studs, track, hat channel, and sheet metal hangers it drills and taps its own hole in one pass, no pilot needed. If you are fastening into heavier steel, step up to a higher drill point number.

Yes, these are manufactured in the USA from domestic steel, which is what matters on federal, military, and public-works work where a domestic-content clause applies on fasteners. That domestic sourcing is the main thing separating the QTEKD7 from an import-equivalent hex head TEK screw.

It takes a 5/16 inch hex driver or nutsetter. The head is a 5/16 hex with the Quadrive design, so a standard 5/16 magnetic nutsetter in a screwgun or impact driver runs it. No Phillips or square bit involved.

For attaching device boxes, conduit straps, and hangers to standard metal stud framing, a 1 inch length is the usual working size: enough to pass through the bracket and still get full thread engagement plus point clearance in the stud flange. The QTEKD7 is a #10 diameter by 1 inch overall. If you are stacking two layers of bracket or shimming, go longer.

The material is domestic steel with zinc plating. Zinc plating handles indoor and protected environments fine, which covers most interior electrical rough-in. It is not a coating meant for sustained exterior exposure, wet locations, or coastal air, so for anything outdoors or in a damp location specify a stainless or heavier-coated fastener instead.

No pilot hole. The QTEKD7 is a self-drilling and self-tapping screw: the drill point cuts the hole and the threads tap it in the same driving motion. Keep steady pressure and let the point cut through before the threads engage, otherwise the screw spins and work-hardens the metal.