Metallics JTS65 14 x 2-1/2 in. Pan Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

The JTS65 is a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet (sharp) point, so it drills its own way into sheet metal, and into wood and similar soft materials, without a pre-tapped hole. Type A thread form is coarse at 10 threads per inch, which is what lets it bite thin gauge steel on the first turn. In harder or heavier stock a pilot hole is still normal practice.

The drive is a slot, not Phillips or square, so a powered driver will cam out easily and chew the slot. These are intended for a hand screwdriver or a low speed drill with a clutch and a properly fitting flat blade. Torsional strength is 125 lb-in minimum, which is the point at which the screw body itself will twist off, so an impact driver can exceed it.

Nominal #14 diameter by 2-1/2 inches long. The pan head runs 0.457 to 0.476 in. across and 0.126 to 0.139 in. high, so figure roughly a half inch of head diameter sitting on the surface. The slot is 0.064 to 0.075 in. wide and 0.068 to 0.085 in. deep, which matches a standard #3 flat blade driver.

Yes on both counts. The JTS65 is flagged ARRA compliant and Buy American compliant, which is what a government, school district, or healthcare procurement office needs on the submittal. Country of origin is listed as multiple.

The JTS65 is zinc plated carbon steel, AISI 1016 to 1024. Zinc plating is a dry or protected indoor finish. It will handle occasional condensation, but for sustained exterior exposure, coastal air, or wet locations you want stainless or a hot dip galvanized fastener instead.

Head dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2013 and the thread form follows ASME B18.6.4. Hardness is Rockwell C28 to 38 with a 125 lb-in minimum torsional strength. Note that Metallics states dimensions for its #9 diameter are independent of ASME B18.6.4; the #14 size here is covered.

Pan head sits proud of the surface with a flat bearing face, so it is the one to use when you are clamping a bracket, strap, or box ear down and there is no countersink. If the fastener has to finish flush in a countersunk hole, a pan head is wrong and you want a flat head instead. The JTS65 pan head bears on about 0.457 to 0.476 in. of surface.

They come in a jar of 100, and 100 count is the order minimum. The packed jar weighs 2.69 lbs and measures 3.5 x 5.75 x 3.5 in., which matters if you are stocking a service van drawer or a shop bin.