Self-Tapping Screw DIN 7981C-H 4.8 × 16 mm Zinc

Self-tapping screw DIN 7981C-H — 4.8 × 16 mm, zinc plated

Self-tapping pan head screw to DIN 7981, form C — that is, with a sharp point — and a Phillips cross recess. Diameter 4.8 mm, length 16 mm, zinc plated steel for indoor corrosion protection.

Decoding the reference

On a DIN 7981, the pan head is part of the standard itself. The letters that follow specify the rest:

• C — sharp point (as opposed to form F, with a blunt end). The point starts the hole and helps centring in a pilot hole.
• H — Phillips cross recess, the classic cross-head drive. Not to be confused with Z, which denotes Pozidriv: the two look alike, but a Phillips bit cams out in a Pozidriv recess and damages both.

What it does

The thread runs right up to the head and forms its own thread in the material. The screw drives straight into a pilot hole, with no nut or plug: this is the standard screw for sheet metal, plastic, thin sections and enclosures.

The pan head spreads the load at the surface without marking and stays discreet on a visible part.

Fitting

Drill a pilot hole matched to the thickness and material — too small and the screw binds and snaps; too large and it will not grip. Use a correctly sized Phillips bit and do not over-torque: past firm contact, the formed thread strips out of thin sheet.

Screw DIN 7981C-H, Ø 4.8 × 16 mm, zinc plated steel.