For a quick differentiation, self-drilling metal screws (also known as TEK Screws) function as fasteners and drill bits, and they do not require a pilot hole. They are highly preferred for hard materials such as thin metal. Self-tapping screws, on the other hand, need a pilot hole first so they can dig into wood, metal, or brick. With these differences, self-drilling screws are chosen by many people over self-tapping screws, especially if they don’t want to do extra manual labor just to achieve their desired results.
This is a contributed post and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
There are plenty of manufacturers and suppliers of self-drilling screws that you can tap for your project. The great thing about these types of screws is that they offer a host of benefits that are not found in self-tapping screws, although some of the benefits they provide can also be achieved with self-tapping screws.
Here are the various applications and benefits of self-drilling screws that you need to know.
Applications
Self-drilling screws are highly versatile fasteners used by a great majority of artisans, contractors, and DIY-savvy homeowners. Among their known applications include:
- Steel frames
- Metal roofing and cladding
- General construction tasks
- Garages
- Carports
- Sheds
- HVAC components such as brackets, clips, and ducts
Benefits
Self-drilling screws likewise provide a lot of great benefits that explain their popularity. From construction sites to residential homes, it’s not uncommon to find these screws in extensive use due to their wide-ranging capabilities. Here are some of the awesome benefits that self-drilling screws can offer:
- Efficient. As mentioned, self-drilling screws are both a drill bit and a fastener, so there’s no need to have two separate materials for a single job. This versatility ultimately guarantees improved efficiency in the manner of fastening two materials together, such as metal to metal, metal to plastic, and metal to wood.
- Time-saving. Since there is no need to have pre-drilled holes (unlike when you use self-tapping screws), you are essentially cutting down on man-hours in the process. This means that you’ll save precious time that you can devote to other important tasks so you can be more productive.
- Cleaner work area. Keep in mind that by using these screws, you won’t have to create a mess by pre-drilling holes in your target areas. With this, you can have a cleaner work space and free yourself from pain-inducing cleanup thereafter.
- Durable. Self-drilling screws are hardy fasteners that you can use and re-use repeatedly. They are also resistant to weather conditions so they will last for many years.
- Non-corrosive. Hand in hand with durability is these screws’ anti-corrosive properties. They are available in stainless steel and come in a wide range of heat treatment for various applications.
- Consistent. Whether we’re talking of metal, wood, or plastic, self-drilling screws are sure to perform well due to their outstanding construction.
With these applications and benefits, it’s no wonder self-drilling screws are becoming more popular. Just ensure that you’re getting them only from a reputable source or supplier so that you can have the best types of screws for your project.
