No Matter what you may call them, a Self Drilling Screw is a time saver! Self Drilling screws feature a distinct flute or drill point at the end of each screw, as well as self tapping threads to turn a three-step installation into one quick job. The TEK drill point, as well as the self tapping threads of the screw eliminate the need for pilot hole drilling and hole tapping before screw installation. Self Drilling Screws are used primarily when fastening into steel or other metals, and are typically used to join materials like sheet metal. Self Drilling Screws are primarily made of harder metals, or treated to make the material harder. Typical materials include hardened Zinc Plated Steel, and 410 Stainless Steel. This is to ensure that the drill point is a harder metal than that into which the screw is being installed. 410 Stainless Steel is ideal for Self Drilling Screws because it maintains the corrosion resistant properties of standard 18-8 Stainless, but can be heat-treated up to 40 Rockwell C. This is why self drilling screws are commonly used in roofing applications in combination with a watertight neoprene sealing washer, and for attaching metal roofing and siding panels to metal stud framing.
Not All TEK Screws are Created Equal
The distinguishing drill point of a Self Driller is what makes them unique, however these points come in different lengths for different applications. The Drill Point of one of these screws is given a TEK number, which can be determined by the length of the flute. TEK points are available in TEK 2, 3 and 4-5. The typical 25 to 16 gauge metal will require the use of a TEK 3, but 14 gauge and below will require TEK 4-5. This is why TEK 5 screws are used for fastening into structural steel. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the TEK number (the longer the drill point), the thicker the metal. It is fundamental that the point is high enough on the TEK scale to pierce the metal being drilled into.
Tapcons are a type of masonry anchor used for light-duty fastening to concrete, brick, block, and other masonry materials. They are commonly called Concrete Screws or blue screws because of their appearance and how they function. Like all Masonry Anchors, Tapcon Concrete Screws are installed into a hole drilled into the material. They are available in both Slotted Hex Head and Phillips Flat Head varieties. Tapcon Screws work by tapping threads into a pre-existing hole with advanced thread-form technology. The threads of the screw cut into the material surrounding the hole, ensuring a solid and snug fit. The diameter of the pilot hole is determined by the diameter of the screw. It is essential that the hole be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw so that the threads can tap adequately. For 3/16″ diameter Tapcon Screws, a 5/32″ drill bit is used for the hole and for 1/4″ Tapcons a 3/16″ masonry drill bit is used. Tapcon Concrete Screws are removable. However, it is not recommended to reuse the same hole because the cutting threads can compromise or destroy the holding power.
Tapcons are most commonly seen in the Blue Climaseal™ ceramic coating finish. This blue coating is uniquely applied to the alloy steel fastener in multiple stages through dip-spin technology. The coating provides extended protection against corrosion and rust for the fastener, making the concrete anchors suitable for exterior and long-lasting applications. Check Out Our Selection of Tapcon Concrete Screws Today!
In This Video
Our Fastener Expert shows us how to install concrete screws.
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Tamper Proof, Tamper Resistant and Security Screws
Tamper Proof Fasteners are screws, Nuts and Bolts best characterized by their unconventional drive style. Tamper Proof Fasteners are used in areas where an assembly is accessible to the public, as a means to deter or prevent vandalism or disassembly. Tamper proof security screws, or Tamper resistant security screws, are distinguished by having an unconventional drive, making tampering with the screw more difficult, if not impossible without the matching driver. Security Screws are used for securing materials from being tampered with, such as gutters, license plates, grills in jails, schools, boats and cars. They are also used in food prep and processing areas. You will often see security screws used in bathroom stalls, particularly toilet partitions and other public locations.
What is an “Unconventional Drive Style”?
Unconventional Drive Styles come in many varieties, but all share one common goal: difficult (if not impossible) installation or removal without the corresponding security Bit or Driver.
One Way Screws
One Way Screws (sometimes called Irreversible Screws or One Direction Screws) get their name because of their drive style. The head of the screw features a slotted drive that is designed to instantly cause cam out if the driver is turned in the wrong direction. This is achieved by manufacturing the drive in quadrants that are gradually raised to accept the driver bit when turning the screw right, and reject it when turning the screw left. The One Way drive makes installation of the screws easy, requiring only a standard slotted bit, but removal of the screw difficult (if not impossible) without the corresponding bit or a specifically designed removal tool. One Way Screws are commonly seen in public areas such as bathroom fixtures and partitions, license plate frames on cars, wall or floor mounted safes, and wherever tampering after installation becomes a security issue. Generally speaking, all Tamper Proof Screws are used to deter vandalism or theft because the removal of the screw is difficult, if not impossible, without the corresponding unconventional bit. One Way Screws are particularly difficult to remove, which means that they should be used for long-lasting applications. Shop Stainless Steel One Way Screws
Spanner (Snake Eye) Security Screws
Tamper Proof Spanner or “Snake Eye” security screws are installed using a spanner bit. Spanner Screws are commonly referred to as “Snake Eye” because of the two dot drive system. Spanner security screws are used for securing materials from being tampered with, such as gutters, license plates, grills in jails, schools, boats and cars. They are also used in food prep and processing areas. You will often see security screws used in bathroom stalls and other public locations. Spanner screws can only be installed or removed with a spanner bit, which fits a pin into each of the screw’s two drive holes. Since Spanner screws can only be installed or removed through spanner bits, they are very resistant to tampering. Shop Stainless Steel Spanner “Snake Eye” Screws & Bits
Torx (6 Lobe with Pin) Security Screws
Torx® with pin security drive can only be driven with security bits and are used to prevent tampering and theft. Security Screws in this variety are characterized by the 6 lobe, or star drive with a central pin. The pin grants additional tamper resistance as it prevents conventional screwdrivers and grabbing devices from tampering with the original installation. Shop Stainless Steel Torx Tamper Proof Screws, Bits & Drivers
Tri-Groove Security Nuts
Tri Groove security nuts feature a tapered diameter, making the nuts resistant to gripping devices. Security nuts are installed using a special Tri-Groove socket, which grips the indentations along the outside of the fastener to turn the nut along a thread. Tri Groove nuts are also referred to as T Groove, Trident Drive and Cone Trident Drive Nuts are tamper resistant. Shop Tri-Groove Nuts & Drivers
In This Video:
Our Fastener Expert goes over many of the popular security fasteners available for your builds.
For more information on Tamper Proof Fasteners and to shop our selection click here.
Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Steel, Copper, and Brass Pop (Blind) Rivets from Albany County Fasteners
What Are Rivets?
POP rivets, also called Blind Rivets, are used to connect two pieces of material in a quick efficient manner with a hand riveter or pneumatic rivet gun. POP Rivets are tubular, composed of a hat and mandrel; the length of the mandrel is snapped off when installed. Both the hat and mandrel may be made of the same material (ex. All Stainless Steel) or a combination of two materials (ex. Copper Hat / Brass Mandrel). Rivets are measured in installed grip range and length. Varieties of POP Rivets (Blind Rivets) include Domed Open End, Closed End, Countersunk, Large Flange Open End, Multi Grip and Structural. They are available in 304 Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Copper, Brass, and several other variations of these metals.
For more information on Rivets including numbers (6-6 or 66), measurements, installation, grip range, and more please review our Rivet Guide in Fasteners 101.
How many varieties of Rivets are available?
The answer is MANY! See the list of available options and descriptions below:
Domed Open End POP Rivets / Blind Rivets
POP Rivets, also known as blind rivets, are used to connect two pieces of material in quick, efficient way. Domed POP Open End Rivets are tubular, composed of a hat and mandrel; the length of the mandrel is snapped off when installed. Domed POP Rivets are available with white, black or brown colored mandrel in Aluminum.
Closed End POP Rivets / Blind Rivets
Closed End Rivets differ from a standard blind pop rivet in that they feature a flat, closed end which creates a watertight seal. Also known as a waterproof rivet.
Countersunk POP Rivets / Blind Rivets
A countersunk rivet, also known as a Flat Rivet, is used in countersunk holes and once set, finish flush to the surface. They are used in tracks where the head will not protrude into sliding tracks or rollers. The hat of the rivet is almost inverted, with a 120 degree countersink in the integrated washer. Countersunk POP Rivets are tubular, composed of a hat and mandrel; the length of the mandrel is snapped off when installed.
Large Flange POP Rivets / Blind Rivets
Large flange pop rivets, also known as Oversize Rivets, have a larger washer on the hat than standard POP Rivets. Large Flange POP Rivets are tubular, composed of a hat and mandrel; the length of the mandrel is snapped off when installed.
Multi Grip Rivets
Multi Grip Rivets can substitute conventional rivets in applications where the thickness of the riveted material varies. One Multi Grip Rivet has the grip range of different rivet sizes. This grip range allows for flexibility in design and a lower rivet inventory, as one size of Multi Grip rivet can be suitable for a variety of jobs, including mismatched holes. One Multi Grip Rivet can be used as an equivalent for at least three different rivet sizes.
Structural Rivets
Structural Rivets, also known as interlock rivets in stainless steel with a stainless steel mandrel. Interlock pop rivets create a stronger assembly than standard stainless steel pop rivets, because of the amount of force that they generate. Domed head blind rivets in this selection are commonly referred to as both Interlock and Structural Rivets.
For more information on Rivets, please visit our Rivet guide here
