Self-drilling screws are screws with a drill-like fluted tip which can drill without crafting a pilot hole. These screws facilitate faster installation and do not include any tapping, drilling, and installing processes. They are also referred to as Tek screws, which are a brand name, in the same manner that many refer to all photocopier machines as Xerox machines.
Self-drilling screws are made to be used for materials such as metal blocks or sheet metal. They also are used to drill wood to metal and some screws come with wings. These wings are placed on the right side of the drill points. The wings act as a digger here and create a large space for wood and metal pods to be delved.
These screws or fasteners are made up of steel, stainless steel or bi-metal. The screws have high pullout strength, hardness and lead threads for fastening steel and wood structures. There is no particular process required to be followed.
The most significant feature of self-drilling screw is its point. These drill points range from 2 to 5 and differ according to the size and length of the screw.
The different point styles available are:
Point style #2: It is used for light gauge materials.
Point style #3: It is used for medium gauge materials.
Point style #4 & 5: It is used for heavy gauge materials.
There is a Type U metallic drive screws, which has a blunt point and spaced spiral threads. Drive screws are permanent in nature and are forced into the material for drilling.
Features of Self-Drilling Screw
The features of the self-drilling screw include a long service life, minimum labor requirement, easy installation, high lead threads for tapping and drilling, and specific dimensions.
How to Select a Suitable Self-Drilling Screw
There are few key design attributes to be considered while selecting an appropriate self-drilling screw, and these are elaborated on below.
- Drill Flute: The thickness of metal can be determined by the length of the drill flute. It enables the material to exit the pilot hole. When the drill flute is entirely inserted into the drilled material, the drill chips block the flute and lead to the end of cutting action. If this happens, then the drill chips get heated up and fail to drill a point.
- Point Length: The length of the first thread drill point to the unthreaded segment of the drill point is crucial. To completely drill the material, the point length must be long enough so as to avoid threads. If threads engage before the drill is complete, then it may cause it to bind and break.
- Screw Wings: The screw wings must be used when wood has been fastened. Wings help to create space and keep the threads away from happening too soon. When the screw wings hit metal, they break off to allow the threads to engage.
Benefits of Self-Drilling Screws
Some of the advantages of the self-drilling screw are as listed below.
- There is no thread cutting or drilling tool required for drilling a hole.
- Centre punching is not required.
- In a self-drilling screw, no pilot hole or pre-drilling required.
- It is very cost-effective.
- It provides a high drilling performance.
- It is easy to use.
- Saves lots of time.
- Undergoes a single operation.
The above information will help you to understand the concept, functioning and selection process of a self-drilling screw. Having this information will also aid in helping you get the perfect fastening method for all steel and wood constructions. So understand the difference between a self-tapping screw and self-drilling screw and make your choice depending on the application you need to use it for.
