Abstract: An automatic tappet adjuster for a valve operating mechanism has two components 12, 14 with co-operating buttress thread form screw threads 32. The axial free play in the threads 32 sets the valve clearance. Excess clearance 56 is taken up by movement of one component, 14 acted on by a spring 40, relative to the other component 12. The buttress thread form 32 exhibits higher friction against rotation in one direction than in the other.

Abstract: A combination of a cruciform recess in a fastener and cruciform driver has driver wings 13 which are narrower than corresponding recess radial grooves 21 and has downwardly tapered grooves and wings such that driving engagement between driver and fastener takes place at the outer upper edges of the recess. There is a relative downward taper between the wing width and groove width and these widths are so selected that the lower ends of the wings are confined by and preferably wedge in the recesses.

Abstract: A self-drilling and self-tapping fastener, particularly suitable for use in relatively thick metal, which is made from a headed blank by a method including pressing into the cylindrical free end of the blank a pair of straight flutes, by dies which are closed together on a line which is acutely angled to both the leading and trailing walls of the flutes. The flutes are inclined in opposite directions relative to the screw axis and are positioned on opposite sides of the screw. The tip is machined off to a V-form, to provide a ridge angularly advanced about the axis of the screw relative to the cutting edges of the flutes. Further machining may remove metal from the sides of the drill point between the flutes to provide flats and the drill point may be turned to a circular cross-section to provide sharp well-supported cutting edges for improved wear resistance. The drill point may taper overall, being of smallest diameter adjacent the threaded fastener shank.