What are self-drilling screws
Self-drilling screws, are as the name suggests, screws that can drill its own hole effectively penetrating the surface of the material with their specially designed drill like tip.
They are specifically designed to drill a hole as they are driven into the surface of the material. The specially designed tip effectively acts like a drill bit and allows the screw to create a hole and tap the thread as they are screwed in. This eliminates the need for a pre-drilled hole before insertion saving time which sees these screws widely used across many sectors by both DIY enthusiasts and professional alike.
The tip of the self-drilling screw
Let’s take a close look at the business end of these screws which sets them apart from many on the market.
As you can see in the image, the tip of the screws incorporates a simple but clever design. This specially designed tip cuts into the surface of the material and the downward force of the installation pushed the screw into the material.
The combination of the drill like cutting edge and downward force sees the screws penetrate the material easily without the need for a pre-drilled hole. A simple but very effective tip design that when used in the correct situation will see fast and effective insertion.
What head type do self-drilling screws have?
Like many screws, the self-drilling screws come supplied with a few heads to suit customer requirements and situations.
At the time of writing this, the self-drilling screws at Fusion Fixings are supplied with the following heads. A flanged hex head, a countersunk head with a Phillips recess, a pan head with a Phillips recess and a wafer head with a Phillips recess.
Flanged hex head self-drilling screws – Installed with a spanner or socket head, increased torque can be applied and the flanged head allows for extra clamping force when installed.
Countersunk self-drilling screws – A countersunk head with a Phillips recess that is used when a flush finish is require.
Pan head self-drilling screws – A self-drilling screws with a rounded pan head when an aesthetic clean finish is required.
Wafer head self-drilling screw – A self-drilling screw that has a low- profile flanged head that allows for high clamping force when applied and an aesthetic finish.
What are self-drilling screws used for?
Self-drilling screws are widely used across many sectors by both DIY enthusiasts and professional alike. Used in many industries including construction, roofing, metal work, and woodworking. They are commonly used to join or fasten materials together, such as attaching metal roofing sheets, installing drywall, or securing metal framing in construction.
Self-drilling screws are well known for fast and effective installation without the need for a separate pilot hole which sees them widely used. Depending on the material being used, tip wander may occur so it’ advise that a tiny punch hole is used to help set the screw in position. This isn’t strictly necessary, and a simple process used as a precaution.
How do self drilling screw work? Take a look at the 2nd article about self-drilling screws from Fusion Fixings.
Where can you buy self-drilling screws?
Here are Fusion Fixings we have a growing range of self-drilling screws in stock ready to go.
