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10 Self Tapping Screw Head Types Introduction

Self-tapping screw head types

A self-tapping screw has the ability to tap threads as it is driven into the material. It is often used only to describe a specific type of thread-cutting screw intended to produce threads in various types of materials, with sheet metal and wood being the most common.

BDN Fasteners offers a range of self-tapping screws. The screws come with either a self-drilling tip for metal or pointed tip for timber. After the tip creates a pilot hole, the thread then taps the metal or wood the screw is affixed to.

On head types. Screws are available in many different head types. Some head types are very application specific, and others for more varied and general applications. Head types are usually manufactured according to set standards according to the region used, though some might tweak or even tailer the design here and there in order to meet special requirements.

BDN Fasteners are manufactured according to the tried-and-true Australian AS standards, offering a good balance between cost and performance, and backed with an industry leading warranty.

HEAD STYLE	DESCRIPTION
	BUGLE HEAD In the smaller gauges up to 8–gauge, this head style is generally used for plasterboard as it does not damage the face of the sheet. The 14-gauge screws with this head style are often used for landscaping and fixing heavy duty decking boards
	BUTTON HEAD Screws with this head type are used for stitching thin steel together and the large head provides a good clamping force on the materials being fixed.
	COUNTERSUNK (CSK) HEAD WITH RIBS (NIBS) This head style is used in a broad range of timber applications where a flush finish is required for the fixing, and the ribs countersink the screw into the timber. It also comes in a variety of drive types depending on the application.
	COUNTERSUNK (CSK) HEAD WITHOUT RIBS (NIBS) This head style is generally used with screws that are fixing steel, where a countersunk recess has been pre-drilled.
	FLAT HEAD / FLUSH HEAD This head style is a low-profile type typically used where cladding is to be fixed over the top, including where plasterboard is fixed to a steel house frame. It is imperative that the head sits absolutely flat
	HEX FLANGE HEAD This head style is used for a broad range of applications including roofing, cladding and timber fabrication, and comes in a range of gauges for heavier duty applications.
	PAN HEAD This head style is used with general purpose fasteners for fixing thin steel to steel or timber substrate.
	SELF EMBEDDING HEAD This head style is mainly used for fixing 3-6mm thick cladding such as Cement Sheet or Blue Board, and the ribs under the head countersink the screw into the material for a flush finish.
	TRIM HEAD This head style is normally used for decking or picket applications where a smaller head is required to avoid splitting the timber when it is installed.
	WAFER HEAD This head style is mainly used for fixing a variety of generally lighter materials to a steel or timber substrate.

Learn more about roofing screws >>
Internal Roof Insulation Installation with Self-Drilling Fasteners
How to use self tapping screws for metal?

2021-03-17

How to Master Use of Self-Drilling Screws

News

Self-drilling screws – commonly known as Tek screws – are some of the most widely used metal fasteners in the building and construction industry.

Tek screws or self-drilling screws come with an additional pair of bladed flutes which extends from the threaded portion of the body all the way to the drilling tip. The purpose of this is to combine the drilling and tapping function onto the same screw, thus eliminating the need to pre-drill pilot holes and tap threads. Drill, tap and fasten are completed in one go, saving time and money. The best Tek screws come with various types of surface treatments to cope with the environment and provide weathering resistance to itself and the fastened substrate.

Tek screws are popular for many general sheet metal applications like roofing, cladding, and HVAC, etc.

Larger Tek screws (No.3 Tek and above) are strong enough to penetrate 12~20-gauge galvanized steel, as well as 3/8” to ½” (10~12.5 mm) structural steel and can be used on various civil and naval engineering applications.

What is the best way to use Tek Screws?

To ensure optimum use and extended lifetime, here are some tips and recommendations for fastening Tek screws successfully onto various kinds of metal material.

Choose the right size Tek screw to match the material you are working with.
Make sure that the Tek screw drill point capacity exceeds the thickness of the material to be drilled. Failing to do so may result in burnt out or broken drilling tips.

Power drills with adjustable clutch settings are better suited for use with Tek screws on light sheet metal than Impact drills.
The hammering action generated by impact drills can cause metal dimpling or oil canning deformations on lightweight metal sheets.

Do not overtighten the Tek screw and washer when fastening them onto sheet metal. The washers should be compressed just enough to fill any uneven surface to provide a perfect seal.
Two things can happen if the washers are over-compressed. One, the sheet panel may deform from overtightening, and two, the exposed portion will be exposed to the sun and the elements, which accelerates the weathering process and reduces lifespan.

When fastening Tek screws onto hardened galvanized or structural steel, set your (cordless) power drill clutch speed to approx. 1500 rpm, and apply steady, consistent, pressure throughout the process.
Drill speed exceeding 2300 rpm or more can result in premature drill point wear or burnout, causing it to lose its function.

Do not compromise the quality and workmanship of your construction projects. Your building is only as strong as its weakest fastener. Choose only quality self-drilling screws from a reliable Tek screw manufacturer – Choose BDN Fasteners today, every day.

2020-07-29

What’s the Difference Between Self-Drilling and Self-Tapping Screws?

News

2020-07-15

Fastener Corrosion Resistance Class 3 & Class 4

Why Choose Corrosion-Resistant Self-Drilling Screws

News

Fastening sheet metal is a technical process that not only requires expertise, but also the most optimal screws – specifically self-drilling sheet metal screws. These screws feature sharp threaded shanks and tips that pierce easily through solid metal surfaces and other sturdy materials. Self-drilling sheet metal screws come with pointed drilling tips designed to penetrate […]

2020-05-27