Is there a #8 or larger 1" long hex-head self-tapping screw...

[lspencer534]

that will make its way through 1/8" thick mild steel? I'd much prefer to use a 3/16" or 1/4" screw (if there is such a thing), but I don't want to have to extract a screw that breaks off. I'll of course drill a pilot hole of the right size.

[DAB]

now what are you trying to build?

[Kerrmudgeon]

Eighth inch steel plate should be either tapped and threaded for a correct screw or bolted together. It's too thick for a regular sheet metal screw or self tapping one. You'll strip the screw trying to tighten it.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by Kerrmudgeon

Eighth inch steel plate should be either tapped and threaded for a correct screw or bolted together. It's too thick for a regular sheet metal screw or self tapping one. You'll strip the screw trying to tighten it.

Is there a tap and die set that works for screws other than machine screws?

[Kerrmudgeon]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

Is there a tap and die set that works for screws other than machine screws?

Of course. I have a full range of normal size taps and dies, or metric for us guys.

[Bill]

Spence, you may have heard of "dead peasant insurance." Is there such a thing as injured peasant insurance? I ask, because I have a gut feeling I might benefit from taking out such a policy on a certain accident prone lawyer I know.

[MrPeabody]

Originally Posted by DAB

now what are you trying to build?

My guess would be a trip to the ER.

[DAB]

this should be interesting. no mention of electrical yet. nor gas powered tools.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by DAB

this should be interesting. no mention of electrical yet. nor gas powered tools.

Electrical tools, yes. Gas powered tools, no. Glad that I have good insurance!

[JRD77VET]

Exactly what are trying to do Larry?

[Jeff '79]

Pics of daughter !

[Milton Fox]

I am not an engineer and didnt stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but how big a piece of 1/8 metal are you attaching to (?) and what will it need to do or prevent. A self tapping metal screw probably is not the ideal fastener - just saying.

Pics of project?

[OddBall]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

Is there a tap and die set that works for screws other than machine screws?

Originally Posted by Milton Fox

I am not an engineer and didnt stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but how big a piece of 1/8 metal are you attaching to (?) and what will it need to do or prevent. A self tapping metal screw probably is not the ideal fastener - just saying.

Pics of project?

Sounds like you are wanting to fasten a wood screw to a piece of 0.125 flatstock. Or the base or shoulder of that fence you are working with.
You can't do that. You can't even tap that.
What you can do is drill a hole in the metal flatstock large enough for the shank and thread of the screw to pass through. If you use a countersink screw, then you'll need a countersink bit to bevel out the hole. I'd recommend a lag screw. That's what they are made for. You don't need to countersink it because it has a nice flat bottom on that screw head. The threads of the screw will sink into the wood and pull the flatstock up tight. The neck of the lag screw should not have any threads and should fit snugly in the hole that you drilled. If you want some more "Parking that bitch so that it can't even wiggle power" put a big ol' flat washer between the head of the screw and the flatstock. Now, that's not a pretty as the countersink screw, but paint will cover that up.



Also, drill a hole in the wood the size of the shank (or a wee bit thinner) of the screw that you are using. Lag screws are typically thick and tend to split the wood, especially over time.

[benny42]

Search for self-drilling screws, Fastenal has a good selection. You will find them