Abstract: A packaging format for fasteners constituted by a strip of interconnected fastener retainers 10. Each retainer comprises a land of material, typically 9.5.times.9.5 mm (0.374 inch squared) in plan. Each land 12 has a hole 13 therethrough for receiving a fastener, in the form of a screw 14. The tip 16 of the fastener protrudes approximately 5 mm (0.2 inch) beyond the land. Between adjacent retainers a support 18 is located which would, in use, support the tip 16 of the fastener 14 clear of a work surface 20 while allowing visually unobstructed positioning of the tip 16 of the fastener. The strip also includes a locating tab 24 to assist in the accurate location of a tapping drill hole. This invention also extends to a drilling tool to further assist in drilling the tapping hole in conjunction with the tab 24.

Abstract: A packaging format for fasteners constituted by a strip of interconnected retainers 10. Each retainer comprises a land of material, typically 9.5 .times.9.5 mm (0.374 inch squared) in plan. Each land 12 has a hole 13 therethrough for receiving a fastener, in the form of a screw 14. The tip 16 of the fastener protrudes approximately 5 mm (0.2 inch) beyond the land. Between adjacent retainers a support 18 is located which would, in use, support the tip 16 of the fastener 14 clear of a work surface 20 while allowing visually unobstructed positioning of the tip 16 of the fastener. The strip also includes a locating tab 24 to assist in the accurate location of a tapping drill hole. This invention also extends to a drilling tool to further assist in drilling the tapping hole in conjunction with the tab 24.