On Dec 16, 8:24*am, notbob -did-not-set--mail-host-
address--so-tickle-me wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. *These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. *I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. *What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. *In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

I am surprised that no one has mentioned McFeely's yet. You need to
check
http://www.mcfeelys.com/self-tapping-screws
for a great selection of excellent screws.

No affiliation, just a very satisfied customer.

Pierre