Metallics JDS150M 6 x 3/8 in. 1/4 Indented Hex Head Slotted Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

The JDS150M is a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet (sharp) point and 18 threads per inch, so it starts itself in thin sheet metal and taps its own thread as it goes. Coarse Type A threading is intended for light gauge sheet, not for thick plate or structural steel. At 3/8 in. long it grips thin material only, so if you are fastening through anything built up, step to a longer screw.

The JDS150M ships 1,000 screws in a jar, and 1,000 is the order minimum. It is sold as a bulk pack for crews doing repetitive sheet metal work, not as a small count box.

The JDS150M is flagged compliant for both Buy American and ARRA requirements. Country of origin is China. If your project specification requires domestically melted and manufactured fasteners rather than the compliance flag alone, verify that against your contract language before you submit.

Either works. The JDS150M has an indented hex head with a slot, so the head takes a 1/4 in. driver (head width measures 0.244 to 0.25 in., 0.272 across the corners) and the slot takes a flat blade (0.039 to 0.048 in. wide, 0.033 to 0.046 in. deep). Electricians usually run them with a 1/4 in. magnetic nut setter and keep the slot as a backup for tight spots where a driver bit won't fit.

No separate washer needed. The head is an indented hex with an integral washer face measuring 0.302 to 0.328 in. outside diameter and 0.015 to 0.025 in. thick, which spreads the bearing load against the sheet. Head height runs 0.08 to 0.093 in., so it sits low and won't interfere with a cover plate or a device sitting over it.

Dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2010 and the threads follow ASME B18.6.4. Steel is AISI 1016 to 1024, case hardened to Rockwell C28-38, with 24 lb-in minimum torsional strength. That set of values is what a spec reviewer or MRO buyer typically wants on a fastener submittal. Note that Metallics states dimensions for the #9 diameter are independent of ASME B18.6.4, which does not affect this #6 size.

Zinc plated carbon steel is a dry-location finish. The JDS150M is steel with a zinc finish, which handles indoor panel, enclosure, and raceway work fine, but it is not a stainless or hot dip galvanized fastener. For exterior exposure, wash-down areas, or anywhere standing moisture is likely, specify a stainless tapping screw instead.

24 lb-in is the minimum torsional strength on the JDS150M, with the screw case hardened to Rockwell C28-38. That is plenty for hand driving or a clutched driver in light gauge sheet, but a #6 at that rating will twist off if you run it with an impact driver or into material too thick for a Type A thread. Set your driver to a low clutch setting.

Yes. The JDS150M is the #6 x 3/8 in. size in the Metallics JDS series of indented hex head slotted tapping screws, and Metallics notes other sizes and quantities are available by request. Give the diameter, length, and pack count you need when you ask.