Self Drilling Screws / Tek Screws
Similar to a sheet metal screw, self drilling screws have a drill-shaped point to penetrate through the substrate thus eliminating the need for a pilot hole. They can save time and money by eliminating separate operations, and in many applications, the most economical choice. Designed for use in soft steel or other metals, the points of self drilling screws are numbered from 1 through 5. The larger the number, the thicker the metal it can pierce without a pre-drilled hole. For example, a 5-point screw can drill through 0.5 in (12.7 mm) of steel. Self drilling screws are available in a broad range of head styles, drive styles, screw sizes, and finishes.
Tek Screws
A Tek screw is a type of self drilling screw designed for use in metal-to-metal applications. It typically features a self-drilling point and a unique thread design that allows it to easily drill into and grip metal surfaces without the need for a pre-drilled hole or tapping. Tek screws are commonly used in construction, roofing, and sheet metal fabrication, and are available in a range of sizes and materials to suit different applications. They are often made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or other corrosion-resistant materials to ensure durability and longevity in harsh environments.
Self Drilling Screw Applications
Electrical Glazing, Metal Lath, Sheet to Structural, Sheet to Structure, Sheet to Sheet
Material Thickness Guidelines for Tek Screws
It's very important that you use the right point length with self drilling screws because you don't want the drilling and tapping operations to occur simultaneously. For best results, the drilling operation must be completed and the lip of the drill point should fully penetrate the material before thread engagement begins.
| Material Thickness Guidelines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Size | Screw Size | Material Thickness | |
| Overall Thickness .035" - .110" | |||
| #2 | #6 | .035" - .090" | |
| #2 | #8 | .035" - .100" | |
| #2 | #10 | .035" - .110" | |
| Overall Thickness .110" - .210" | |||
| #3 | #10 | .110" - .175" | |
| #3 | #12 | .110" - .210" | |
| #3 | #14 | .110" - .210" | |
| #3 | 5/6"-18 | .110" - .210" | |
| Heavy Duty Applications .187" - .500" | |||
| #4 | #12-1/4" | .187" - .312" | |
| #4.5 | #12 | .187" - .375" | |
| #5 | #12-1/4" | .187" - .500" | |
As a distributor of self drilling screws, AFT Fasteners carries a huge selection, which many aren't listed on our website. If you can't find the screw you need for your particular application, please submit a request for quote. Our experienced sales team is available to help!