FF-S-107 — Screw, Tapping and Drive
FF-S-107 covers thread-cutting, thread-forming, and thread-rolling tapping screws, along with metallic drive screws. It superseded the earlier military specification MIL-S-6033. Per Notice 1 (15 December 2000), the document is now inactive for new design and retained only for replacement/repair procurement.
At a Glance
Overview
FF-S-107 covers tapping screws — fasteners that form or cut their own mating thread as they're driven into an unthreaded pilot hole — along with metallic drive screws, which are driven in with a hammer or press rather than turned. Tapping screws are classified as thread-forming screws (which displace material to create threads, useful where higher resistance to loosening from the induced internal stress is desirable) and thread-cutting screws (which remove material like a tap, useful in harder or more brittle materials where thread-forming stresses could cause cracking).
The specification superseded MIL-S-6033, an earlier military specification for self-tapping steel screws used in aircraft. As with several other older federal fastener specifications, FF-S-107 was marked inactive for new design by Notice 1 in December 2000 — it remains valid and referenced for replacement and repair procurement on existing designs, but new designs should evaluate current commercial or military alternatives.
- Thread-forming sheet-metal screws are a specific sub-classification intended for thin-gauge sheet metal applications.
- Drive screws related to this family are also documented under MS21318.
Tapping Screw Types
FF-S-107 classifies tapping and drive screws by how they engage the mating hole.
FF-S-107 is inactive for new design. It remains referenced for replacement/repair procurement on existing drawings; for new designs, evaluate current commercial tapping screw standards or the applicable military alternative.
FF-S-107 — Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between thread-forming and thread-cutting screws?
Thread-forming screws displace material to create the mating thread, which increases resistance to loosening but induces stress in the workpiece. Thread-cutting screws remove material like a tap, which is gentler on harder or more brittle materials but doesn't build in the same locking stress.
Can I still use FF-S-107 on a new design?
It's marked inactive for new design as of the December 2000 notice. It's still valid for replacement or repair of existing hardware, but new designs should be evaluated against current alternatives.
Need FF-S-107 Tapping Screws for Repair Work?
Ananka Fasteners supplies FF-S-107 tapping and drive screws for legacy replacement procurement, with full material traceability.
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