Metallics JTS15 6 x 1 in. Pan Head Combo Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

That is what a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet point is for. The sharp gimlet point starts its own hole in thin sheet metal and forms the thread as it drives, with 18 threads per inch. In heavier gauge stock you still want a pilot hole sized to the manufacturer's chart; the self-starting point is meant for thin sheet, not structural thickness.

A pan head stands proud. On the JTS15 the head measures 0.256 to 0.27 inch across and 0.087 to 0.097 inch high, so it sits on top of the material with a flat bearing underside, no countersink needed. If you need the fastener flush with the panel face, you want a flat head screw in a countersunk hole instead.

No. The Metallics JTS15 is not Buy American compliant and not ARRA compliant, with multiple countries of origin. For a project with Buy America or ARRA domestic sourcing language, specify a domestically produced tapping screw instead.

The JTS15 has a combo head, so it takes either a #2 Phillips bit or a flat blade in the slot. The Phillips recess measures 0.159 inch across with a gaging depth of 0.055 to 0.080 inch, and the slot runs 0.039 to 0.048 inch wide by 0.033 to 0.05 inch deep. On a panel install that means one screw works whether your crew is running a Phillips driver or a flat screwdriver out of the pouch.

The JTS15 ships as a 100-piece jar, and 100 is the order minimum, so one jar is the smallest buy. Jar weight is 0.39 lbs. For MRO stockrooms that is a sensible bin quantity for device and plate work; Metallics lists other sizes and quantities by request.

The JTS15 is zinc plated carbon steel, AISI 1016 to 1024. Zinc plating is an indoor-duty finish, fine for dry interior electrical, plumbing and HVAC work, but it will corrode in wet or exterior service. For outdoor, coastal or washdown locations, specify a stainless tapping screw instead.

Yes. Head dimensions are made to ASME B18.6.3-2013 and the thread to ASME B18.6.4, which is what a submittal for a standard pan head Type A tapping screw calls for. Note Metallics states that dimensions for #9 diameter screws in the line are independent of ASME B18.6.4; the #6 diameter JTS15 is not affected.

The JTS15 is heat treated to Rockwell C28 to 38 with a 24 lb-in minimum torsional strength. That is adequate for hand or clutch driving into sheet metal, but 24 lb-in on a #6 is easy to exceed with an impact driver. Drive it with a drill or driver on a low clutch setting and stop when the head seats.

Metallics lists the JTS line for the electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning industries. In practice a #6 x 1 inch pan head Type A screw is the one that goes into sheet metal enclosures, duct, strut accessories and panel covers, which is why it tends to live in an electrician's or HVAC tech's truck stock rather than on a wood framing job.