Metallics TS19M 8 x 5/8 in. Pan Head Phillips Sharp Point Tapping Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

No. The TS19M is not Buy American compliant and is not ARRA compliant, with country of origin listed as multiple. If your project carries Buy American or ARRA domestic-content provisions, you will need a domestically sourced fastener instead.

A #2 Phillips bit. The recess is a Phillips drive with a recess diameter of 0.169 to 0.182 in. and a depth of 0.108 in., so a #2 seats fully. Using a #1 will cam out and chew the recess, especially since the screw is rated to 39 lb-in minimum torsional strength and can take real driver torque before it twists off.

Yes. The head and recess dimensions follow ASME B18.6.3-2013 and the threads follow ASME B18.6.4, which is what lets you swap them one-for-one with any other standards-conforming #8 Type A tapping screw on a spec job. One caveat from the manufacturer: dimensions for #9 diameter screws are independent of ASME B18.6.4, so that note applies to the #9 sizes in the family rather than this #8.

These are carbon steel with a zinc plating, which is an indoor and protected-location finish. It handles normal interior humidity and construction handling, but it is not a marine or sustained-wet-exposure coating. For exterior walls, wet rooms, or coastal work, specify stainless steel instead.

Minimum order is 1,000 pieces, sold by the thousand, and they ship boxed. That makes these a stocking item for an MRO crib or a contractor running sheet metal and box mounting across multiple jobs rather than a small-pack purchase. Other sizes and quantities are available by request.

The screws are case-hardened to Rockwell C28 to 38 and made from AISI 1016 to 1024 carbon steel, so the thread is harder than the thin sheet steel it forms into and holds up to repeated driving. With 39 lb-in minimum torsional strength you have reasonable margin before snap-off, but an impact driver on full setting in light-gauge stock will still spin out the hole, so back the clutch off.