Self drilling and self tapping screws are some of the most popular fasteners available. They are both staples of construction, manufacturing, commercial and industrial projects, as well as DIY jobs at home. Despite their popularity and the regularity of their use, more often than not people wouldn’t be able to tell you what the difference is between the two types of screws. Whilst the names are sometimes used interchangeably, self tapping and self drilling screws have some key differences which make them suitable for different projects.
In this article, we will explain exactly what self tapping and self drilling screws are, as well as highlighting their differences and similarities, to let you choose the perfect fasteners for your project with confidence.
What are self tapping screws?
Self tapping screws are also sometimes referred to as tapping screws or tapper screws, or even metal screws or metal tapping screws, although they can be used with a lot of other materials besides just metal.
Self tapping screws are called self tapping because they cut their own thread into the material as they are screwed in. This means you don’t need to use any other tools to cut threads, otherwise known as pre tapping, before you insert the screws. The fact that you don’t need to pre tap means that self tapping screws are the perfect choice for use with brittle or fragile materials which wouldn’t be able to withstand the additional step in the process. It also means that the bond with the material is extremely tight and secure, as the threads are cut to match perfectly with the screw itself.
Self tapping screws can be used with a variety of materials, including a wide range of metals (such as iron, steel, aluminium, bronze and brass), plastics, wood and timber, fibreglass and polycarbonates.
Self tapping screws are easy to install, but need to be installed into a pre drilled pilot hole to guide the screw. It’s important to make sure these pilot holes are the right size for your self tapping screws, otherwise they can make the fit of the screw loose and render it pretty useless. It’s also important to use the correct type of self tapping screw, as there are lots of different types available for use with lots of different materials. For example, if you need to screw into metal, you need to get self tapping screws specifically designed for metal, and if you’re screwing into concrete you need self tapping screws designed for masonry etc.
What are self drilling screws?
Self drilling screws are sometimes known as Tek screws, simply because Tek was the brand that made them popular initially.
Unlike with self tapping screws, to insert a self drilling screw you don’t need to drill a pilot hole first. Self drilling screws have a tip in the shape of a drill bit, which means you can drill them straight into your material without having to make a pilot hole, or having to pre cut the thread. Self drilling screws are also self tapping screws, in that they cut their own thread as they are inserted. Being able to skip these steps and go straight for the drilling makes self drilling screws a very popular and easy option for lots of different uses, saving time and money on labour.
Self drilling screws are most commonly used in construction projects, including cladding, steel framing, and metal roofing to name just a few examples.
How are self tapping and self drilling screws similar?
Self tapping and self drilling screws are similar in a few key ways, which essentially come down to the fact that they both don’t require pre cutting of their thread. Both types of screw cut their own thread as they are inserted. Both self tapping and self drilling screws are actually self tapping. To put it simply, self drilling screws are a specific type of self tapping screw. All self drilling screws are self tapping, but not all self tapping screws are self drilling.
In addition to this, both self tapping and self drilling screws are very versatile and can be used with a range of different materials across a range of different projects. They both create a tight, strong bond with their threading and so are both considered extremely reliable and dependable fasteners.
How are self tapping and self drilling screws different?
The main difference between self drilling and self tapping screws is the need for a pilot hole. Self tapping screws must be inserted into a pre drilled pilot hole, lined up perfectly with the hole. This pilot hole also needs to be the right size, as if it is too big for the screw it will make the bond between the screw and the material very weak.
Meanwhile, self drilling holes don’t need any assistance from a pilot hole as they can drill their own hole as they are inserted. This means they are quicker and simpler to insert as it cuts out the pilot hole step completely, which can save time and money on construction projects.
Where can you buy self tapping and self drilling screws from?
Luckily for you, you can buy both self tapping and self drilling screws easily online at Confast. You can also browse our full range of fixings and fasteners on our website. For more information on self tapping and self drilling screws, or if you would just like to discuss your upcoming project and what your needs might be, feel free to get in touch with our team of experts. We’ll be more than happy to put our decades of experience and expertise behind you and offer our advice.