Self Tapping Screws
When trying to put together your furniture, it is important that you find every type of screw imaginable. It is also important to find the best way to put things together and ensure they stay that way. Self-tapping screws for metal are one way to achieve this.
What are Self-Tapping Metal Screws?
Self-tapping metal screws are made for use in various materials. They have a sharp chisel point that cuts their threads into the material as you drive it in. You can either drive them in with a screwdriver or by tapping them in with a hammer, but they are not designed to draw material together like a conventional screw, so they do not work well in hardwoods or metal.
Popular Types of Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws come in many different types and sizes, so make sure you use the right type for your material. The most common types of self tapping screws include:
Countersunk or flat head self-drilling screws: These self tapping screws have a countersunk head that makes them easier to drive than other self tapping screws. They also make a more attractive finish than other types of self tapping screws used for decorative purposes.
Self-tapping masonry screws: These screws have small points and are designed to drive into concrete or brick without pre-drilling. They can also be used with wood framing materials if you drill a pilot hole first. Self-tapping masonry screws are not recommended for use in drywall because they can break through the paper face and cause damage to underlying structures.
Bugle head self tapping screws: Bugle head self-drilling screws have an extra wide shank that allows them to be used in materials like aluminum, whereas other types of self-drilling screws might strip out or damage the material being fastened. Bugle head self-drilling screws are also ideal for hard materials like concrete or brick because they can withstand shock loads better than other screws.
Allen or socket head self tapping screws: These screws have a square head with a hexagonal hole in the center. This allows you to use an Allen or socket wrench to drive them into place. They are typically used for large projects because they require more strength than other types of self tapping screws.
Button head, dome head, and self tapping pan screws: These types of self tapping screws have a rounded top with a shallow groove. You can use these screws with a standard flathead screwdriver or ratchet set.
Concrete self-tapping screws: These types of self tapping screws have an extra sharp tip, so they can penetrate concrete easily without pre-drilling. They also come in various sizes to choose the right one for your project.
Self-tapping wood screws: Wood screws have larger points than masonry screws and can be used with or without pre-drilling depending on the material being fastened (hardwoods require pre-drilling while softwoods like pine only need pilot holes). Self-tapping wood screws come in different lengths from 1/4" up to 3" long. Some manufacturers also offer square drive designs for easier installation with impact drivers.
Self-tapping metal screw: These screws have a sharp tip that easily pierces through thin metal sheets. They can also penetrate thicker metal sheets, although they may cause more damage than other types of self tapping screws. The sharp tip allows this type of screw to create its thread while penetrating through metal and wood surfaces, making it one of the most versatile fasteners on the market today.