My XL didn’t come with the Boxlink system but I’m adding it.

I know the screws that come with the brackets are self tapping but I’d feel better tapping them first. I got my bed LineXed and with my luck that will be just enough to snap one or more of the screws.

If no one knows that’s ok, I can take the bolts to the hardware store and size them. I’d just like to have the taps ready when the brackets get here.

Thanks.

 

I don't know the thread size, but IMO your instincts are right. Mine weren't easy to get in. I ended up using a 1/4" drive ratchet and went very slowly.

 

I installed mine,over my spray-in bedliner, without tapping. I also used a ratchet over my spray-in bedliner and the self-tapping screws went in pretty easily. No problems at all.

 

Screw size is a 6mm x 1.0 x 24mm. T-30 Torx head

 

Thank you. That’s is exactly what I was looking for.

 

They zipped right in with my Dewalt 20v driver. I wouldn’t worry about snapping them they are good quality bolts. Plus they have a friction fit and won’t vibrate loose vs tapping the holes

 

Disagree on tapping first. Self tapper will give a tighter and stronger thread.

 

Mine didn't come with the system and I added them afterwards. I didn't buy them from Ford. I bought from Amazon. They were good quality but it didn't matter which system I was reading about there were people complaining about snapping the bolts off. So I tapped mine and then used Loctite on the screws. They ain't coming out accidentally. I also am not using the standard tie downs typically used with the Box Link system. I'm using O-Ring tie downs for the E-Track system. There is a little bit of wiggle when they're clipped into the box link, but they don't pull out with a load. I know a couple people who have the box link tie downs and they said the key holes are all rusted shut. I'm not worried about anyone stealing any of my O-Rings because I don't leave them in the box anyways. I keep them under the back seat and take them out when I need them.

 

Just installed 4 on my 19 with my Dealt 20v impact as well, no issues. No bedliner, but there's a reason they include an impact bit a mention using one in the instructions. I would not have wanted to do it manually with the L shaped tool they also included with them.

 

So I chickened out.

Everything came yesterday. So today I installed my Boxlinks.

I took a small dremel stone and cleaned out as much of the LineX as I could, until I could see metal.

Next I tapped the holes. Two were very tight. So tight I was worried I’d snap the tap.

Then I installed the tie downs on the brackets before I installed the brackets to the truck. I saw videos where people had problems installing the tie downs after the brackets were installed on the truck. In one video someone actually took a grinder to the backs of the tie downs to get them to fit. I avoided that situation.

I used red loctite and put all the screws in. I don’t believe that threads cut by taps are inferior to threads cut by screws. Once the first threads on the screw go in, what’s the difference? But I’m not a machinist so I could be wrong.

So thanks to everyone for the help. I appreciate it greatly.