Metallics TSP85B 8 x 2-1/2 in. Pan Head Phillips Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

Not in thin sheet metal. The TSP85B is a Type A tapping screw with a gimlet (sharp) point, so it pierces and forms its own thread in light gauge steel, sheet metal boxes, and similar material. In heavier stock or hardwood blocking you'll still want a pilot hole, since the point only does the starting work, not the hole making of a self-drilling screw.

Yes. The TSP85B is flagged both Buy American compliant and ARRA compliant, which is what a government, school, or healthcare procurement office needs on file before the submittal goes through.

It stands proud. The pan head on the TSP85B is 0.105 to 0.115 inch high with a head width of 0.306 to 0.322 inch, so it sits on top of the material with a broad bearing surface. If you need the head buried in the work, use a flat head countersunk screw instead, not this one.

They ship as a box of 3,000. That is the order minimum, so this is a bulk buy for crews doing repetitive mounting work rather than a handful for one job.

Zinc plating on carbon steel is a mild corrosion coating meant for dry interior work. The TSP85B is steel with a zinc finish, built to AISI 1016 to 1024 material, and it is fine inside panels, boxes, and conditioned spaces. For wet, coastal, or treated lumber exposure, go to stainless or a hot dip galvanized fastener instead.

15 threads per inch, coarse UNC. That spacing is what lets a Type A screw bite and hold in sheet metal rather than strip it out.

The box runs about 32.5 lbs, measuring 9 by 9 by 6.13 inches. Worth knowing if it is going up a ladder or into a van rack rather than onto a cart.