Self Drilling Screw

Self Drilling Screws

Self drilling screws, in general, have a point that plays the role of a drill bit and a sharp tapping screw that drills a hole in the hole during installation. Self-drilling screws are commonly used screws for quickly drilling metal or wood. Self-drilled screws are usually identifiable by their tip and groove (notch) tip.

Characteristics of Self Drilling Screws

The Self drilling screws have a grooved tip, such as a drill bit, that drills holes in the material before the screw penetrates. It also comes with various heads, chips, and other features. Self-drill screws are needed to penetrate thick metals such as 22 gauge.

Self-drilling screws are used in many metal applications but are not intended for the metal-to-wood transition. It is usually this type of screw that creates the cover connection in the terrace structure. These types of screws have 1-5 tips. This indicates the thickness of metal that can be penetrated without a pilot drill.

Difference Between Self Drilling and Self Tapping Screws?

Self Tapping

Creates its thread on rotation, eliminating the need for matching female threads, as is the case with nuts and machine threads in nut/thread sets. This screw has an AB-type tip. As a reminder, this screw has a “pencil-like” point. Most common usage-

  • Fixing of thin sheets with one and two layers. 
  • Fixing of aluminum profiles to each other and thread grooves.
  • Screwed into plastic housing.

Self Drill

With a “drill-like” tip, these screws create holes and threads in a single operation. This is where the confusion with tap occurs. Both types of screws are technically self-tapping for screw function, but the major difference lies in the tip function. Self-drills are sometimes referred to as fine or coarse threads, but not self-drills.

In short, self-drilling is not possible. A self drilling roofing screw is just as easy to drill threads. Self-drills, also commonly referred to as “Tek” screws, is a protected brand name associated with their unique shape and function. The size of the drill bit determines the drilling capacity. Most common usage-

  • cladding and metal roof 
  • HVAC ducts, clips, brackets 
  • carports / sheds / garages 
  • general construction 
  • steel frames

They sound similar and look very similar, but don’t confuse self-tapping screws with self-drilling screws. These differences are important in terms of best usage and use and can weaken the bonds between the materials, and one should not be tempted to use one in place of the other.

The self-tapping screw drills its thread but cannot penetrate sheet metal materials. In this case, the self-tapping screw needs a pilot hole. However, self-drilling screws have a pointed drill bit on the screw, which allows the screw to cut its thread on the material, eliminating the need for pre-drilling.

Structure of Self Drilling Screws

Self-drilled screws are a type of screw used in various fixing and fixing applications.
The self drilling screw for roofing is usually stainless steel and features a drill-shaped tip. This allows the screw to be drilled into the material without drilling in advance, resulting in a more efficient fixing process.

Self-drilling screws available in various sizes, lengths, and strengths are convenient and versatile. The self-drilling screw can cut various materials, including wood and metals such as wood. This makes self-drilling screws ideal for more demanding applications and industries, especially when compared to alternatives such as self-tapping screws.