How Much Do You Know About Self-tapping Screws?
Have you noticed that self-tapping screws are very common in our daily life? Many electrical appliances or toy shells, furniture, wooden boards, relatively thin steel plates, etc. are connected and fastened with self-tapping screws. Generally, the tool box used at home is also equipped with various common specifications of self-tapping screws.
Today, let's talk about this common fastener self-tapping screw in detail.
What is a self-tapping screw?
Self-tapping screw is a specific type of thread-cutting screw. Their thread is self-tapping, with a relatively large pitch and a pointed tail. When used, they do not need to be tapped. They can be directly screwed into the connected object. They are often used on non-metallic (wooden boards, wall panels, plastics, etc.) or thin metal plates. It can tap, drill, squeeze and press into corresponding threads on the consolidated material by its own thread, so as to make it closely cooperate with each other. Unlike traditional screws that require pre-threaded holes or tapping, self-tapping screws can create their own threads, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
What are the types of self-tapping screws?
The classification of self-tapping screws depends on their heads, which is similar to the classification of other screws and bolts. There are flat heads, hexagonal heads, pan heads, countersunk heads, truss heads, etc. Self-tapping screws can also be divided into drywall screws, fiberboard screws, thread forming screws, ordinary self-tapping screws, etc. according to their uses.
What are the characteristics of self-tapping screws?
1. Simple installation, drilling, tapping, fixing, and locking can be completed at one time. Generally, it is enough to drill holes with an electric screwdriver and screw them in.
2. No need to use with nuts, which can save a lot of costs.
3. Corrosion resistance. If self-tapping screws are used in outdoor occasions, this requires self-tapping screws to have strong corrosion resistance.
4. High surface hardness and good core toughness.
5. The more threads per inch, the stronger the self-tapping ability of the screw.
6. Its penetration ability generally does not exceed 6mm, and the maximum does not exceed 12mm. It is suitable for fixing thin plates, such as connecting wall beams, connecting color steel plates and purlins, etc.
Where are self-tapping screws used?
As mentioned before, self-tapping screws are often used to fix wooden boards, and self-tapping screws are also often used for the installation of doors and windows. In addition, some types of self-tapping screws have different applicable occasions.
1. Thread-forming screws. It is characterized by low screw-in torque and strong locking performance. It has better working performance than ordinary self-tapping screws. It can also replace machine screws and is mostly used to connect thin metal plates.
2. Drywall screws. A specialized type of screws designed specifically for attaching drywall (also known as gypsum board or wallboard) to wooden or metal studs. They are widely used in construction and home improvement projects due to their strength, ease of use, and reliability.
3. Self-tapping screws with different head types. The applicable occasions of screws with different head shapes are related to their head types. For example, pan head and hexagon head tapping screws are mostly used in situations where the head is allowed to be exposed; countersunk head screws are more suitable for countersunk processing to make the surface of the connecting parts smooth and beautiful.
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