Self-Tapping screws are also known as fast threaded screws, commonly referred to as pointed, coarse thread, and hard screws. Self Tapping screws are effective and quick-fit fasteners. These screws are mainly used to attach soft metal and non-metal, like thin sheet metal. While attaching, screw the self-tapping screw into the threaded bottom hole of the secured portion. Depending on its threads, it can “extrude, tap-drill, and press” on the corresponding thread on the attached part.
Self-tapping screws drill their holes when inserted into the materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. With the help of a screwdriver to attach a self-tapping screw, you can create precisely fitted threads. They are ideal for connecting two types of materials or screwing in areas where access is only one-sided.
Utilizing self-tapping screws for products that must be maintained regularly is helpful, such as air-conditioning units where you must assemble and reassemble the item along the duplicate threads.
There are two types of self-tapping screws that are thread-forming and thread-cutting. Thread-forming screws are used for plastic, deforming the material as the screw enters. Although thread-forming screws remain in the material more tightly, there is a risk of over-tightening the screw, which could cause the material to break under pressure. While thread-cutting screws are typically used for wood and metal, literally removing some of the material and creating a threaded path for the screw.
Self-tapping screws come in all sizes and point types and have different-shaped heads. When you select the correct size self-tapping screw, you should consider the length of the screw tip/point according to the material’s thickness. There must be sufficient space for the point of the drilled screw to enter the material before the threading begins fully.