Metallics JDS161 6 x 1/2 in. 1/4 Indented Hex Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

The JDS161 is a #6 x 1/2 in. Type A tapping screw for light metal assembly: electrical outlets and device boxes, light framing, and general sheet metal work. The gimlet (sharp) point starts in thin sheet without a pilot hole, and the 18 threads per inch coarse Type A thread is what cuts its own hole in light-gauge steel.

Either. The indented hex head measures 0.244 to 0.25 in. across the flats, so a 1/4 in. hex driver or nutsetter fits it, and 0.272 in. across the corners. It is also slotted (slot width 0.039 to 0.048 in., depth 0.033 to 0.046 in.) so a flat blade works when you cannot get a driver in.

No. The JDS161 is not Buy American compliant and is not ARRA compliant; country of origin is listed as multiple. On a federally funded project with domestic sourcing requirements you will need a domestically produced fastener instead.

The indented hex head has an integral washer with a 0.302 to 0.328 in. outside diameter and 0.015 to 0.025 in. thickness, with overall head height of 0.08 to 0.093 in. That washer OD gives you bearing over a slightly oversized or slotted hole in thin sheet without adding a loose washer.

Torsional strength is rated at 24 lb-in minimum, with case hardness of Rockwell C28-38, so the screw itself resists twisting off before the sheet gives. In light-gauge material the limit is the sheet, not the fastener: back off the driver clutch so you stop at seated rather than spinning the threads out of the hole.

Steel with a zinc finish, made from AISI 1016-1024 carbon steel. Zinc plating is a mild indoor corrosion coating, so these are suited to interior electrical and sheet metal work. For wet or exterior exposure, step up to a stainless or hot dip galvanized fastener instead.

Head and washer dimensions conform to ASME B18.6.3-2010, and the thread conforms to ASME B18.6.4. Note that dimensions for #9 diameter screws in the series fall outside ASME B18.6.4.

Type A with a gimlet point is for thin sheet, where the sharp point pierces or enters a punched hole and forms its own thread. It is the normal pick for mounting devices, plates and light framing clips. If you are fastening into heavier plate or structural steel where a point will not start, use a self-drilling (Type TEK) screw with a drill tip instead.

They ship in a jar of 100, which is also the order minimum. Jar weight is 0.3 lbs.