This SAE Part Standard covers selected inch dimensioned tapping screws and metallic drive screws manufactured in accordance with American Society for Mechanical Engineers dimensional standards. This SAE standard covers material most often used in ship systems and equipment but its use may be applied wherever fasteners of the covered materials are used. This standard permits the fasteners to be identified and ordered by a part or identifying number (PIN) as defined in this standard.

The purpose of this document is to assist the designer and other personnel in providing requirements and PINs for the most commonly used tapping and metallic drive screws. A PIN is normally required for all military applications and provides a useful means of communicating screw requirements to suppliers and manufacturers in a very succinct manner.