Metallics TS24M 8 x 2 in. Pan Head Phillips Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

The TS24M ships as a box of 1000, which is the order minimum on this part. There is one model on it, TS24M, so the only decision is quantity. Metallics notes that other sizes and quantities are available by request if 1000 of the 2 inch is more than a job needs.

Metallics flags the TS24M as both Buy American compliant and ARRA compliant. Country of origin is listed as multiple, so if a federal or state project requires documented origin for a specific lot, get that confirmed against the box you receive.

Type A is a sharp gimlet point tapping screw with a coarse thread, meant to cut its own thread in sheet metal, and in the trades it also holds well in wood and composite backing. The TS24M is a #8 diameter, 2 inch long pan head Phillips with 15 threads per inch and a gimlet point. Metallics lists it for electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning work, so think strap, clip, box, and bracket mounting rather than structural fastening.

The pan head on the TS24M stands 0.105 to 0.115 in. tall and is 0.306 to 0.322 in. across. That is a low, broad bearing surface that spreads load over a slotted strap or clip hole, but it does not sit flush, so it is the wrong choice where something has to slide or seat flat over the fastener. Head dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2013.

The TS24M is carbon steel with a zinc finish, which is a dry indoor corrosion coating. It is fine for interior electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work, but for exterior, wet, coastal, or wash-down areas you want stainless or hot dip galvanized instead; zinc plate will bloom and then rust in those conditions.

Torsional strength on the TS24M is rated 39 lb-in minimum, with the screws case hardened to Rockwell C28 to 38 from AISI 1016 to 1024 steel. That is enough to form thread in light gauge sheet without snapping the head off, but it is a low number by impact driver standards, so drive it with a clutched drill or a low-torque setting. Full-torque impact driving is what twists these off.

Threads on the TS24M follow ASME B18.6.4 and the pan head dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2013, with material to AISI 1016 to 1024. That matters on a spec job where the submittal calls out a standard tapping screw rather than a proprietary fastener. Metallics does note that #9 diameter screws in the family fall outside B18.6.4 dimensionally, but the TS24M is a #8.

The gimlet point on the TS24M pierces and forms its own thread in thin sheet metal without a pilot. In heavier gauge, in steel studs, or when fastening near an edge where you do not want to deform the metal, pilot it. A gimlet point is not a self-drilling point, so it will not cut through thick stock on its own.

A #2 Phillips bit. The recess is 0.108 in. deep, 0.169 to 0.182 in. across, with a 0.03 in. slot width, which is standard #2 Phillips geometry on a #8 screw. A worn or #1 bit will cam out and chew the recess, especially driving the full 2 inch length into sheet metal.

A box of 1000 runs about 10 lbs and measures 7.25 by 6.75 by 3.25 in. Easy to carry on a service van and small enough to shelve in a parts bin on the truck.