The black oxide finish steel sheet metal screw with pan head and Phillips drive has a Type B point for forming threads in 0.015"-to 0.050"-thick metals as well as nonferrous castings, plastics, and impregnated plywood. The Type B point has a blunt tip with finer spaced threads than a Type A point. Steel is often used in applications where strength is the primary consideration. The black oxide finish offers mild corrosion resistance and lubricity. The pan head has a flat top and short vertical sides with a rounded top edge. The Phillips drive has an x-shaped slot that accepts a Phillips driver and is designed to allow the driver to slip out of the head to help prevent over-tightening and damage to the thread or fastener.
Sheet metal screws, a type of self-tapping screw, have threads down the entire length of the shank for tapping and fastening thin material. The point style determines the type of material the screw can be used on, such as metal, wood, or plastic. These screws commonly have a sharp point that helps penetrate the material.