Metallics DS179V 14 x 2 in. 3/8 Indented Hex Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

Type A tapping screws are sheet metal screws with a gimlet (sharp) point, meant to be driven into sheet metal, sheet steel, and similar thin materials where the screw forms its own thread as it goes. The DS179V is a #14 diameter, 2 inch long version with 10 threads per inch, so it is on the coarse side and suits thin-gauge sheet and wood-type substrates rather than thick structural steel. Its threads follow ASME B18.6.4.

The head is an indented hex measuring 0.367 to 0.375 inches across the flats, so a 3/8 inch socket or hex driver fits. Width across corners is 0.409 inches. It also has a slot in the head, so a flat blade driver works where a socket will not reach; the slot is 0.064 to 0.075 inches wide and 0.083 to 0.101 inches deep.

No. The DS179V is not Buy American compliant and is not ARRA compliant, with a multiple country of origin. If your contract carries a domestic sourcing clause, you will need a fastener certified to it instead.

Yes, it is a hex washer head. The washer face runs 0.480 to 0.520 inches outside diameter with a thickness of 0.030 to 0.050 inches, and overall head height is 0.172 to 0.19 inches. That bearing surface spreads load over sheet metal and covers a slightly oversized hole without needing a separate washer.

The DS179V is heat treated to Rockwell C28-38 and carries a minimum torsional strength of 125 lb-in, which is the torque the screw will take before it shears. Drive it with a clutch or depth-sensitive driver rather than leaning on an impact gun and you will stay well inside that. Base steel is AISI 1016-1024.

These are carbon steel with a zinc plated finish, which is a mild corrosion coating intended for dry, indoor, or protected use. For sustained exposure to weather, washdown, or coastal air, go to a stainless or hot dip galvanized fastener instead; zinc plating on steel will eventually rust in those conditions.

These ship as a box with a 500 each order minimum, so the buying unit is a 500 piece box rather than a loose count. Other sizes and quantities in the same Metallics JDS tapping screw line can be had by request.

Dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2010 and the thread form follows ASME B18.6.4. Note that on the Metallics JDS line, dimensions for the #9 diameter are independent of ASME B18.6.4; the #14 covered here is not affected by that exception.

With 2 inches of overall length under the washer head, the DS179V has enough reach for thicker standoffs, wood blocking, or stacked sheet assemblies, provided enough thread engages the holding material. Type A gimlet point screws form their own thread in thin material, so the point needs to break fully through the back of the sheet it is anchoring into for full holding power. Pick the length so at least a few threads pass the back face.