Self-tapping screws: types, types, application

Self-tapping screws: types, types, application

Let’s immediately determine how a self-tapping screw differs from a screw and a screw, because, in the eyes of a layman, these fasteners are very similar. However, the screw behind the head has a smooth part of the rod before starting the thread, while the self-tapping screw does not. A screw has a triangular thread that completely covers the cylindrical surface, while a self-tapping screw does not. In general, a self-tapping screw is called a type of screw, which is characterized by a thinner rod and an increased thread height..

The difference between self-tapping screws for metal and wood

Two main types of self-tapping screws should be immediately distinguished: for wood and for metal. It is this condition that is put forward by home craftsmen who come to the market or to a hypermarket of building materials for self-tapping screws. As you can see in the photo – the point is in the cutting itself on the rod, for the metal you need a much smaller.

If we are talking about fastening drywall, then self-tapping screws with a two-start thread should be used, which alternates high and low curls. This allows you to combine materials with different densities. However, many simply use self-tapping screws for metal if they attach drywall to a metal profile. Or self-tapping screws for wood, if drywall is attached to a wooden base.

Fastening drywall with self-tapping screws

Self-tapping screws are made of stainless or carbon steel, as well as brass. Brass is suitable for use in humid environments, but more expensive – important!

Self-tapping screws are called so for a reason – they can cut threads even in concrete or metal, whether you use a screwdriver or an electric screwdriver. The metal surface of the self-tapping screw is hardened, that is, heat treated, and the end of the rod is made in the form of a drill, so it is perfectly screwed into the fastened structures. Moreover, the hole turns out exactly the desired diameter, for a self-tapping screw.

Internal thread in wood made with a self-tapping screw

The question often arises why some types of self-tapping screws are yellow. It all depends on the type of corrosion protection used. If electroplating with yellow or white zinc is used, the self-tapping screw will receive the corresponding color. Yellow self-tapping screws, as the most persistent, are more expensive! White is in the mid-range and black is the most affordable.

Yellow universal screws

We wrote in detail about the choice of screwdrivers depending on the type of slot. So self-tapping screws, which are sometimes called hardware (“metal products”, one of the factory varieties), can be with:

  • Straight slot on the head.
  • Cruciform.
  • TORX.
  • Hexagonal.

Stainless steel self-tapping screw

Most often we use Phillips self-tapping screws..

Self-tapping screws, of course, vary significantly in size. You may need to attach something to a thin surface or provide a more secure attachment to two thick enough surfaces. Standard sizes are:

  1. Length from 1 to 5 centimeters with a thread pitch of 5 millimeters. These are the smallest screws. Sometimes they are called “seeds”.
  2. Length from 6 to 10 centimeters with thread pitch up to 10 millimeters.
  3. The length of the rod is from 11 to 12 centimeters with a thread of 15 millimeters. We admit that this type of self-tapping screws is not common..
  4. The largest self-tapping screws can reach from 12.5 to 22 centimeters in length and have a thread of 20 millimeters.
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Self-tapping screws of different lengths

The indicated dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer, please take this into account. The main thing is that the length of the fastening part goes through the entire sheathing sheet and fixes it on the crate! The most popular are self-tapping screws 25 and 45 mm long.

Self-tapping screws for GVL

Note that there are universal screws suitable for wood, metal and drywall, but professionals still prefer to use specialized ones. In addition, roofing screws should be distinguished separately, which have special caps with rubber or silicone inserts to protect the roof material. They can also differ in the type of bonded surfaces..

Roofing screws

There is also a confirmation, self-tapping screws that are used in the manufacture of furniture. They are also called a screw coupler, Euro screw or Euro screw. The confirmat is distinguished by a blunt end, a countersunk head, connects parts from MDF, wood, plywood, and other wood materials.

Furniture confirmations

By the type of head, self-tapping screws are usually divided into secret, semi-secret, semicircular with a press washer, simply semicircular, with a truncated cone, cylindrical and hexagonal.

Choose and install correctly, because often the strength of the entire structure will depend on a small self-tapping screw!

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Comments: 1
  1. Skylar Simmons

    What are the different types of self-tapping screws? How do I choose the right type for my application? Can you provide guidance on the specific applications where each type of self-tapping screw is commonly used?

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