Metallics JDS182V 10 x 1 in. 5/16 Indented Hex Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

The Metallics JDS182V is a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet (sharp) point, so it starts in thin sheet metal and forms its own thread as it drives. It runs 12 threads per inch, which is the coarse spacing Type A uses for sheet metal and other thin material. For heavier stock you still want a pilot hole sized to the screw; the sharp point reduces walking, it does not replace drilling in thick steel.

Both work. The head is an indented hex with a slot, so you can run it with a 5/16 nut driver or socket (head width measures 0.305 to 0.312 in., 0.34 across the corners) or finish it with a flat blade in the slot, which is 0.05 to 0.06 in. wide and 0.057 to 0.072 in. deep. Electricians usually run them with a nut driver and keep the slot for tight spots where a driver body will not fit.

The JDS182V is flagged both ARRA compliant and Buy American compliant in Metallics' data, with country of origin listed as multiple. Procurement officers on federally funded work typically want that compliance flag documented on the submittal, and it is carried on this part.

Dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2010 and the thread form follows ASME B18.6.4. Material is carbon steel in the AISI 1016 to 1024 range, case hardened to Rockwell C28-38, with a minimum torsional strength of 48 lb-in. Note that Metallics states dimensions for #9 diameter screws fall outside ASME B18.6.4; the #10 covered here is within it.

It has an indented hex washer head. The washer outside diameter runs 0.384 to 0.414 in. with a washer thickness of 0.019 to 0.031 in., and overall head height is 0.105 to 0.12 in. That flange spreads the load on sheet metal and over slightly oversized or slotted holes, so you normally do not need to add a loose washer.

48 lb-in is the minimum torsional strength, which is the twist the screw body will take before it shears. With a case hardness of Rockwell C28-38 these drive fine with a nut driver or a clutched screwgun, but an impact driver on full setting will snap #10 sheet metal screws well before the hole is finished. Run them at a controlled speed and stop once the washer head seats.

These are steel with a zinc finish, which is a plating for indoor and protected dry locations: panel boards, enclosures, strut, raceway supports, device plates. Zinc plate will corrode in wet, coastal, or chemically aggressive environments, so for exterior or washdown areas specify a stainless or hot dip galvanized fastener instead.

The JDS series runs beyond the #10 x 1 in. JDS182V; Metallics notes other sizes and quantities are available by request. The head style, gimlet point, and zinc plated steel construction stay the same across the series, so you can standardize on one drive type across a job while changing diameter and length.