Metallics TS23M 8 x 1-1/2 in. Pan Head Phillips Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

The Metallics TS23M is a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet (sharp) point, which means it starts and forms its own thread in sheet metal, wood, and similar soft or thin materials without a tapped hole. On thicker or harder sheet you still want a pilot hole sized to the root of the thread; on thin gauge sheet metal and wood the sharp point will drive straight in. It runs 15 threads per inch, a coarse pitch that is what makes it bite in thin material rather than strip it.

The TS23M is flagged compliant for both Buy American and ARRA, which is what a government, school or healthcare procurement file usually needs on fasteners. Country of origin is listed as multiple.

A #2 Phillips bit. The recess is 0.169 to 0.182 inch in diameter and 0.108 inch deep, which is standard #2 geometry, so one bit runs the whole box. Using a #1 will cam out and chew the recess; a #3 will not seat.

The TS23M is rated to 39 lb-in minimum torsional strength and case hardened to Rockwell C28-38, so it will take normal power driving. 39 lb-in is not much headroom for a high-torque impact on a hard substrate, so back the clutch off and let the screw seat rather than running it home at full speed.

Pan head, which is what the TS23M is, when the fastener sits on top of the material: the flat underside of the head gives a wide bearing surface on sheet metal and plate and needs no countersink. Choose a flat head instead only when the surface has to be flush and the hole is countersunk, and an oval or truss head when you want a lower profile or a larger washer-like bearing area on thin sheet.

These are zinc plated carbon steel, made to AISI 1016-1024. Zinc plating is a mild indoor-to-sheltered coating: fine for mechanical rooms, ceiling spaces, panel work and general indoor electrical, plumbing and HVAC use. For direct weather exposure, wet or coastal service, specify stainless instead.

Head and recess dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2013, and the thread form follows ASME B18.6.4, the tapping screw standard. That matters if a submittal or spec sheet calls out a dimensional standard for the fastener. Note that dimensions for #9 diameter screws in this family are independent of ASME B18.6.4.

They ship in a box of 1,000 with a 1,000 piece order minimum, and the box weighs 7.3 lbs. If you need a different size or a different count, Metallics offers other sizes and quantities in the JTSP series by request.

Metallics lists the TS23M for the electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning trades, and that is the install work they suit: sheet metal duct and plenum, panel and enclosure covers, device and box mounting, hanger and bracket attachment to light gauge steel or wood. The sharp gimlet point is what makes them practical for field work where you cannot tap a hole.