Also Known as TEK Screws, Drill Point, Self Drillers and Self Tapping

Self Drilling Screws are used to fasten together steel or other metals and are typically used to join materials like sheet metal. The unique point or flute acts as the drill bit for the screw, effectively combining the screw with its drill bit. Since the self drillers drill their holes while creating reusable threads, they virtually eliminate the need to drill a pilot hole, tap it, and then install the screw. With these screws, you can do it all in one operation. Not having to pre-drill holes saves both time and effort.

There is some confusion regarding self drill screws and self-tapping screws. Every self-drilling screw is a self-tapping screw but with the added feature of a drill point instead of a sheet metal screw point such as an AB sharp point. If a screw will drill its hole, it is generally a self-drilling screw.

The TEK number of the tip distinguishes these screws. Generally speaking, this number has to do with the drill point's length at each screw's end and, by extension, the material thickness which the screw can reliably penetrate. The most common TEK Screw point is a TEK 3. Thinner metals such as 12-gauge steel are what most self-drilling screws are for, but they can pierce 20 to 14-gauge metals. We recommend a TEK 5 point for 14-gauge metals and below. So long as the unthreaded portion of the TEK point (pilot section) can completely drill through the material before the threads engage, you'll minimize the chance of the fastener binding and breaking.

For the self-drilling action of self drillers to work, they are made of a material that is harder than the material you are drilling. The most common material used in these Screws is 410 Stainless Steel. This grade of stainless will provide the corrosion and rust resistance of standard 18-8 stainless. However, it has been heat-treated (up to 40 Rockwell C) to ensure that the drill point will successfully pierce a given application's metal.

Order Self Drilling Screws in Different Styles:

With the functionality and common uses of self drilling screws identified, we want to introduce you to the different styles we sell. These include Hex screws, panheads, self drilling roofing screws, and more. Each style comes with a unique set of benefits and a range of installation styles. If you do not have the right bits or tools to work with our self drilling screw products, be sure to review our selection of tools and include any you are missing in your order so you can use the screws you buy effectively.

Hex Screws

Self drilling hex screws get their name from the hexagonal shape of their heads. Our Hex screws come with washer included and can be installed easily. While you may be accustomed to working with hex screws, the self tapping nature of these screws makes their installation exceptionally simple, typically without the need of a pilot hole.

Panhead Screws

Our self tapping panhead screws are in a non-countersunk style.

Self Drilling Roofing Screws

Make roofing installations simpler and move reliable with self tapping roofing screws from AlbanyCountyFasteners.com. We stock both stainless steel and zinc plated self drilling roofing screws. These roofing screws include a hex head design and come in multiple sizes that can be installed with wrench sizes ranging from 1/4" - 3/8”. Our self tapping roofing screws are designed to be installed in EPDM rubber roofing, allowing to be useful in a wide range of applications.

Star Drive Screws

Order star drive self drilling screws in a range of sizes online. Our star drive screws are made of 410 stainless steel and come in both standard and tamper proof styles. All self tapping star drill styles we offer include a pan head design and include a TEK 3 point for easy entry into the material they will be used to hold together.

Pancake Self Tapping Screws

Our pancake or Phillips-head self drilling screws are made of corrosion resistant 410 stainless steel and include a low profile TEK drill point that is designed for uses with heavier sheet metal varieties. Our pancake design screws are sized for a Phillips-head #2 drive. If you need to order the matching bit style you can do so when placing your self drilling pancake screw order.

Tamper Proof Self Tapping Screws

At AlbanyCountyFasteners.com we sell multiple types of self drilling tamper proof screws. These security screws come with a star drive design and TEK 3 point. You can make your tamper proof installations simpler than ever with our 410 stainless self tapping steel screws. When you order be sure to view the complete range of sizes we offer and see if your intended order quantity qualifies for the inclusion of a free bit to make future installations proceed without a hitch.