Skip to content
All prices AUD and Ex-GST
Announce something here

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: Handy information for Self tapping and Self Drilling Screws

Handy information for Self tapping and Self Drilling Screws

Using the right screw for the job is essential, so here is some handy information about Self Drilling & Self Tapping Screws.

Also known as TEK screws, self drilling screws are a type of self tapping screw that feature a drill point.  The primary purpose of the drill point is to drill a pilot hole in the material that is being screwed into.  Self tapping threads are behind the drill point, forming the mating threads in the material.  

Self tapping screws cut their own thread but do not have a drilling point, which means that they are best for securing thinner sheet metals and other substrates.  If drilling into thicker materials a pilot hole must be pre-drilled as a separate function.  

Determining the Drilling Capacity of Self Drilling Screws

It is important to consider the drill flute, point length and whether you are fastening thicker material to metal when determining drilling capacity as all of these factors will impact on drilling capacity.

Drill flute -  The height of the flute will determine the thickness that the screw can penetrate.   If flutes become fully embedded in the material they will trap debris, causing it to heat and break.

Point Length - The unthreaded portion of the point, known as the pilot section must be long enough to completely penetrate the material before the threads engage.  Since the threads advance faster than the drilling process, if they engage before drilling is done the fastener can bind and break.

There are a number of issues that users might encounter if they are using self drilling screws incorrectly.  The table below lists a series of simple troubleshooting solutions that the operator can use to solve a number of common issues.

Failure Mode Likely Causes Suggested Action
Split at Point  Excessive Force (feed) applied while drilling Reduce application force
Outer corners worn or Melted Drill RPM (cutting speed) too high use slower motor or partial trigger pull
Cutting edges chipping or breaking Excessive Force (feed) applied while drilling Reduce application force
Point melted or diameter significantly reduced Work material too hard.  Insufficient chip clearance.  Excessive force (feed) applied while drilling. Confirm work material specs.  Choose screw with longest pilot section. Reduce application force.
Screw spins without drilling a hole Drilling motor set on reverse.  Work material too hard.  Drill point blunted by handling. Check motor direction.  Confirm work material specs inspect unused drill points for possible damage from handling. 

Read more

Three Main Applications for MasterKlamp

Pipe clamps come in different shapes, sizes and angles, making them the go-to product for the versatile, simple and fast assembly of tubular structures such as handrails, balustrades and guardrails...

Read more

How to Price Electric Security Fence

The best place to secure your site is right out at the perimeter. Electric security fences give you peace of mind that your assets are protected. Coupled with a chainlink fence or higher security o...

Read more