Metallics JDS180SS 10 x 1/2 in. 5/16 Indented Hex Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - 18-8 Stainless - Each

Mechanically yes, but watch the metals. The Metallics JDS180SS is 18-8 stainless, and driving stainless into aluminum or plain steel can set up a galvanic couple that corrodes the softer metal in wet or coastal environments. For dissimilar-metal work outdoors, isolate the joint or match the fastener material to the substrate. Indoors and dry, it is not a practical concern.

It is not self-drilling. The JDS180SS is a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet (sharp) point, which forms its own thread in a pre-punched or pre-drilled hole in thin sheet metal. It will not cut through steel on its own the way a self-drilling point does, so for anything heavier than light-gauge sheet, drill a pilot. For unpunched steel you want a self-drilling point instead.

Both are flagged compliant on the JDS180SS, which is what a government, school, or healthcare procurement file usually needs on a federally funded job. Country of origin is listed as multiple, so if your contract requires a single named origin on the submittal, confirm the origin of the lot you receive.

A 5/16 in. socket or nut driver. The indented hex head measures 0.305 to 0.312 in. across the flats and 0.34 in. across the corners, so a 5/16 wrench seats properly. There is also a slot in the head, 0.050 to 0.060 in. wide and 0.057 to 0.072 in. deep, so a thin medium flat blade will drive it in tight spots where a socket will not fit.

Half an inch is the total screw length, so usable grip is that minus the head and whatever thickness you are fastening through. Type A thread at 12 threads per inch is a coarse, widely spaced thread meant for thin sheet metal and sheet-metal-to-sheet-metal work, typically needing only a few threads of engagement. For thicker stock or wood framing, step up to a longer length.

The indented hex head has an integral washer face. Its outside diameter runs 0.384 to 0.414 in. and the washer thickness is 0.019 to 0.031 in., with overall head height of 0.105 to 0.120 in. That gives you a wider bearing surface against sheet metal without stacking a separate washer. If you need to seal against water, you still need an EPDM-bonded sealing washer, which this does not include.

Head dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2010 and the thread form follows ASME B18.6.4, the tapping screw standard. One caveat worth noting for spec work: dimensions for #9 diameter screws in this family are independent of ASME B18.6.4. The #10 size here is covered.

Yes, within its range. The JDS180SS is rated Rockwell C28-38, which is the case hardness needed for a Type A thread to form in light-gauge sheet. That is softer than a carbon steel self-drilling screw, so keep the driver speed down and do not force it into heavy stock, or you will twist the head off before the thread forms.

They ship in a jar, with a minimum of 100 count. Packed weight on that jar is 0.52 lbs. Other sizes and quantities are available by request if 100 of this size is not what your job needs.