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Screws 1/4-20 x 1/2 PN Span TR MS USA (100 pcs)
Manufacturer Resources
Product Specs
- Division:
- Electrical H1
- Product Group:
- Fasteners
- Sub Division:
- Electrical-E H2
- Department:
- Electrical
- Product Subgroup:
- Screws
Metallics TP318SPC – Frequently Asked Questions
1) What drive type is the Metallics TP318SPC screw, and what tool do I need to install it?
The TP318SPC is a spanner-drive tamper-resistant screw, abbreviated "Span TR" in the spec. A spanner head has two round holes in the face rather than a slot or cross recess, so a standard flat, Phillips or hex bit will not turn it. You need a spanner (snake-eye) bit or driver sized to the head. That is the point of the fastener: once it is in, nobody without the matching bit backs it out.
2) Will a 1/4-20 x 1/2 inch machine screw thread into my existing device or enclosure holes?
The TP318SPC is a 1/4-20 machine screw, so it mates with a tapped 1/4-20 hole or a 1/4-20 nut, not with sheet metal or wood. The 1/2 inch length is measured under the pan head, which limits total grip: usable thread into the tapped hole is 1/2 inch minus the thickness of whatever you are clamping. If your plate or cover is thicker than about 1/4 inch you will have little thread left to engage, so step up to a longer 1/4-20.
3) Can I use this spanner screw to replace the Phillips screws in my cover plates?
Only if the existing holes are tapped 1/4-20 and the current screws are 1/2 inch or shorter under the head. 1/4-20 is coarser and larger than the 6-32 and 8-32 threads used on most standard electrical device and wall plate screws, so it will not thread into those holes. Check the thread on the screw you are pulling out first; where it does match, swapping to the spanner head is a straight upgrade to tamper resistance with no drilling.
4) Is the TP318SPC a security screw for electrical covers and tamper-proof panels?
Yes. It is a tamper-resistant spanner-drive pan head machine screw, and Metallics catalogues it on the electrical side of the line, which is the usual home for cover plate, enclosure and fixture security fasteners. Buyers use this kind of screw where a cover has to stay closed to the public: wall plates in schools and transit areas, lighting trim, panel covers, washroom fixtures in multi-family and institutional buildings.
5) Is the Metallics TP318SPC tamper-resistant screw made in the USA?
Yes, the TP318SPC 1/4-20 x 1/2 inch spanner pan head machine screw is designated USA-made in its specification, which matters on government, school and other publicly funded work carrying domestic sourcing language.
6) How many screws come in a pack of Metallics TP318SPC?
Each pack of TP318SPC holds 100 screws. For a standardization job, count your openings or covers and allow for the two or four screws per plate most covers take, plus spares, since a spanner screw that gets chewed up cannot be driven with a common bit.
How fast can I get the Metallics TP318SPC delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the
continental
U.S.
Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit,
reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Metallics TP318SPC come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Metallics TP318SPC is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the Metallics TP318SPC?
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