Self Tapping Sheet Metal Screws

Sheet Metal, Self Tapping, & Self Drilling Screws

Sharp Point and Drill Point Screws with Cutting Threads for Metal, Plastic, or Wood

Sheet metal screws have sharp threads, sometimes referred to as self-cutting or self-reading screws, that cut into sheet metal and other common building materials such as aluminum, plastic, or wood. Some sheet metal fasteners have a Type 17 Point; these screws are notched at the tip to aid in chip removal during thread cutting. Sheet metal screws are also known as self-tapping screws because they tap the material they are screwed into and pull both sides tightly together. Self-tapping screws are ideal for projects that combine two different materials or when access to the work area is only one-sided.

Self driller cutting points, also known as TEK screws available in TEK 2, 3, 4, and 5, pierce through 20 to 14 gauge metals. The higher the TEK number, the larger the drill point to pierce heavier gauge metals. TEK screws are designed to pilot drill through the first material before penetrating and fastening into the second material. In most cases, TEK screws are best utilized in conjunction with a high-speed impact drive.

Two additional critical values in assessing the effectiveness of sheet metal screws are Threads Per Inch and Thread Pitch. Threads Per Inch, abbreviated as TPI, is used to identify the number of threads there are in every inch of the fastener. Thread Pitch is calculated as the length of space between each corresponding thread peak.

Sheet metal screws make excellent fasteners for attaching metal hardware to wood because the fully threaded shank provides excellent wood retention. Self-tapping screws are often used for attaching aluminum to other surfaces. Self tappers are also sometimes referred to as self-tapping bolts. This commonly means a sheet metal screw with a hex head on it. As the name indicates, they are often used with sheet metal because of the sharp self-tapping point.

FAQs

What is a Sheet Metal Screw?

Sheet Metal Screws are fully threaded fasteners with sharp threads and a sharp tip which allows them to cut through metal, wood, and various other materials. They come in two notable varieties: self-tapping screws and self-drilling screws. In comparison to a wood screw, sheet metal screws will have a much tighter thread, or a higher TPI, through the length of the screw.

What is the Difference Between Self Tapping and Self Drilling Screws?

A self-tapping screw is a simple tapping screw that is commonly used in metal sheets. They require pre-drilling beforehand for proper installation. On the other hand, Self-drilling screws are tapping screws with a drill point similar to a drill bit. It drills its hole and forms its threads at the same time.

What is the difference between sheet metal screws and wood screws?

Beyond the difference of application, the visible difference between sheet metal screws and wood screws is in their threading. Wood screws have a wider-spaced, medium depth threading, often with a threadless shank near the screw head on longer sizes. Sheet metal screws have consistent and tighter, sharper threading that covers their entire length. Smaller sizes of wood screws and sheet metal screws are nearly identical in appearance.

Do sheet metal screws need a pilot hole?

A pilot hole is not mandatory for self-tapping screws, but it can be helpful. Having a pilot hole drilled can help guide the screw and prevent splitting within the materials being fixed together. However, sheet metal screws are designed with a tip more like a drill bit to penetrate the metal surface and help preserve the integrity of the material without denting.