Metallics JDS155 10 x 1/2 in. 1/4 Indented Hex Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

Type A is the sharp gimlet point sheet metal screw, and the JDS155 is specified for light metal assembly such as electrical outlets, framing and other sheet metal work. The gimlet point starts its own hole in thin gauge steel without a pilot, which is why it is the screw electricians reach for when hanging devices and straps on boxes and studs. It is not a machine screw, so it will not thread into a tapped 6-32 or 8-32 box hole.

No. The JDS155 is not Buy American compliant and is not ARRA compliant, and country of origin is listed as multiple. If your contract carries a domestic sourcing clause, this screw will not satisfy it and you need a documented domestic fastener.

A #10 diameter by 1/2 inch long screw with 12 threads per inch, threads made to ASME B18.6.4 and the overall screw dimensioned to ASME B18.6.3-2010. The 1/2 inch length is short on purpose, enough to bite sheet metal and strut without bottoming out behind a device box.

Yes, the indented hex head carries an integral washer face measuring 0.384 to 0.414 in. outside diameter and 0.019 to 0.031 in. thick, with head height of 0.105 to 0.120 in. That washer spreads the bearing load on thin sheet metal and covers a slightly oversized hole, so you are not adding a loose washer on the job.

They ship as a jar of 100, which is the order minimum. Shipping weight on the jar is 0.37 lbs. Metallics does make other sizes and quantities in this indented hex slotted line by request if 100 of the #10 x 1/2 inch is not what you need.

The JDS155 is carbon steel with a zinc finish, made from AISI 1016-1024 steel and case hardened to Rockwell C28-38. Zinc plating is a mild indoor corrosion coating, so it is fine for dry interior sheet metal, framing and device work. For wet, exterior or corrosive duty, step up to a stainless or hot dip galvanized sheet metal screw instead.

For thin sheet metal, a Type A gimlet point like the JDS155 is the simpler pick. It pierces and forms its own thread in light gauge material with no pilot hole. Once you are into heavier gauge steel or structural members, a self-drilling point screw with a drill tip is the better tool, because a gimlet point will walk and work harden rather than cut. The JDS155 is scoped to light metal assembly: outlets, framing and sheet metal.