This guide covers everything you need to know about self-drilling screws.
You will learn:
A self-drilling screw is a type of screw that has similar design features with a drill bit with a tip that enables it to drill its own hole. As the name implies, self-drilling screws do not require a pilot hole in order to perform as a fastener. They are designed to work on soft steel, wood, and metals.
The selection of self-drilling screws requires the examination of certain parameters in relation to their use. The initial and practical aspect is the thickness and type of material to be joined since certain self-drilling screws are designed for specific materials. Another important aspect of self-drilling screws is their drill load or the amount of force placed on a drill during install.
When making the decision to use a self-drilling screw, it is important to first consider the type of materials to be connected. The key factors for an efficient, operating self-drilling screw are the types of points, which include the flute, length, and wings.
The versatile and practical self-drilling screw has been in use for many years as a method for connecting materials. Since self-drilling screws do not require a pilot hole, they can rapidly and efficiently connect a variety of materials, which enhances productivity and performance.
The types and varieties of self-drilling screws makes them applicable to a variety of construction and fabricating operations. From applying metal roofing to finishing assemblies, self-drilling screws have become a valuable tool in manufacturing, fabrication, and production.
In error, many people believe that self-tapping and self-drilling screws are the same, when in fact they have different construction. The difference between them has to do with their point. The point of a self-drilling screw has a curved end that is shaped like a twist drill. Self-tapping screws are described as thread forming or cutting screws and can have a point that is pointed, blunt, or flat.
Self-drilling screws for metal roofing are specially designed with a washer to form a tight seal when fastening. As with all self-drilling screws, they have a drill bit formed point that makes inserting them quick and easy.
Previous to the development of the self-drilling screw, builders had to drill pilot holes before inserting screws. Self-drilling screws have eliminated the need for this extra step, which has reduced time on jobs and made the process more efficient. The total process can be performed in a quarter of the time it took under the pre drill method.
Metal sheets are used to frame a wide variety of products. To speed up the production process and ensure tight connections, self-drilling screws are used as fasteners. The drill-like tip of self-drilling screws is preferred over other methods of fastening due to its efficiency. Industries that use self-drilling screws for metal fastening include automobile construction, building, and furniture manufacturing.
The design and construction of self-drilling screws allows them to pierce 20 to 14 gauge metals.
Self-drilling locking screws are used in the medical field for orthopedic surgery, organ replacement, and tissue and muscle repair. As with other applications, they are preferred over other fastening methods for the speed with which they can be inserted. The requirements for their use include an exact calibration of their length and an assurance of biomechanical stability.
Self-drilling screws for framing must be able to cut through heavy duty metal studs. They have special heads designed to decrease driving torque but have exceptional holding strength. They are capable of driving through metals of up to 0.125 inches thick with an RPM rate of 1500. They come in a variety of metals to fit the operation and application.
Regardless of if the material to be drilled is metal lathe or heavy gauge metal (between 12 to 20 gauge), self-drilling screws can easily connect and frame a structure.
The unique feature of drywall self-drilling screws is their countersink head that neatly fits into the drywall without tearing or damaging the paper and avoids head pops. They are generally coated for interior applications and come in numbers 6, 7, 8, and 10 diameters. They are flexible enough to be attached to wood or metal studs and include rolled threads for added strength and holding power.
Concrete self-drilling screws are able to tap into concrete, brick, and block. Unlike the use of self-drilling screws with other materials, it is necessary to create a pilot hole for self-drilling screws to be able to tap into concrete. There are two groups of concrete screws, which include the standard sizes of 3/16 and 1/4 inch. The other group has larger diameters that are 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 inch.
There are several different head styles for concrete self-drilling screws that include flat head Phillips and slotted hex. Flat head screws are for applications where the screw needs to be countersunk, while with hex head screws screw head is above the surface.
The uniqueness of trim head screws is their very small head and resemblance to finishing nails. The size of the head of trim head self-drilling screws allows them to countersink themselves, which makes them useful for attaching molding and trimming cabinetry.
A necessity for the production and manufacturing of self-drilling screws is the use of high quality and high tensile strength metal wire. This single factor ensures that the screws will perform according to their specifications and be able to maintain a firm tight connection.
Self-drilling screws begin as wire that comes in different diameters depending on the gauge of screw. The wire for self-drilling screws is chosen such that it is harder than the material that it will join. The most common type of wire is 410 stainless steel, which is corrosion and rust resistant. Heated treated versions, up to 40 Rockwell C, ensure that the drill point is able to pierce harder resilient metals.
The first step in the production process is to straighten the wire before it is cut to the correct length.
The wire is fed into the heading machine where it is cut to length, transferred to a die, and preformed.
Once the wire is cut to the required length, it is passed to the die. There are various types of dies used to form the head of a screw.
A one die machine has one die but uses two punches to form the screw. The die is a mold that has the shape of the screw. A punch delivers a forceful blow forcing the blank wire into the die. The force applied by the die and punch creates the head of the screw.
The multiple blow process is the same as the single one die process. Instead of two blows being applied, several blows are used to form the screw head.
There are several methods for forming screw threads, which include subtracting by cutting or grinding, deformation by rolling, molding, or casting, and additive methods. A key factor for self-drilling screws is the drill bit head that can have point sizes of numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5 with the higher the number indicating the longer the tip
To create the thread pattern, using the die method, a deformation process, the workpiece is placed between variable dies that have grooves to create the target thread depth. As pressure is applied, the workpiece is rolled, which leads to the thread pattern being pressured into the wire.
The drill point of a self-drilling screw is in the form of the point of a drill bit and is designed to drill the beginning hole and form the mating threads. Unlike a self-tapping screw that requires a pilot hole, self-drilling screws do not require a pilot hole due to their drill bit points. The construction of their point makes them more versatile and able them to work with a wider range of materials.
For drilling into thicker heavy duty materials, points of self-drilling screws come with wings that help enlarge the hole and create an easier path for the threads.
In the last step of the manufacturing process, the completed self-drilling screws are racked vertically or in bulk for heat treatment and are sent through a quenching furnace where the screws are heated to remove contaminants. They are then oil quenched to lock in their hardness.
Different metals require the use of different methods for the heat treatment process. Carbon steel, for example, is case hardened where chemicals are added to the metal surface and heated at high temperature. Since case hardening reduces the machinability of a self-drilling screw, it is performed as the last step of the manufacturing process.
The coating and plating process is completed after heat treatment and involves applying a layer of zinc, chromium, nickel, and other materials to the surface of the screw. Designed to be a protective coating against rust and corrosion, coating and plating changes the major and pitch diameters of a screw several times and requires precision and accurate assessment of the process.
There is a self-drilling screw to fit every form of connecting application. The variations in the type are in regard to the type of head, production wire, diameter, length, and materials to be connected.
One of the main differences between self-drilling screws is the type of head, which can be flat, pan, truss, undercut, wafer, oval, and trimmed to name a few. The other differentiating factor is whether the head can countersink or not.
Bugle head screws drive flush with the surface. They are used to fasten wood, plywood, and OSB. They have a #2 square drive with a #3 drill point.
Cement board screws are used to attach cement board, dense wood, and light gauge steel. They have a unique rib design with a countersink head that connects flush against the board. Cement self-drilling screws have wings that ream out the surface to avoid premature thread engagement.
Eye lag screws or eye hole screws are used to hold wires for drop ceilings. They have a loop at the end that allows for fastening ropes, wires, or cables. Though they are bigger than standard screws, they have the common type of threads. Installation of eye lag screws requires the use of a special driver bit.
Flat head self-drilling screws land flush with the surface and do not leave a head sticking out. They can be easily hidden with a screw covering to leave a free unmarked surface. As with other screws, flat head screws can have wings that bore through the material to create hole clearance such that pierced material doesn't climb up the shank. At a certain point, as the screw goes deeper into the surface, the wings break off.
Hex head self-drilling screws are one of the most used types since they fit easily into a socket head on a hand drill and can have Phillips or slotted heads. The types of hex head self-drilling screws include flanges, washer heads, and washer heads with bonded washers.
Washer head self-drilling screws are popular for their efficiency and ease of use. They have a broad screw head and come in sizes from 1/4 to 14x1.
Truss self-drilling screws have an extra wide truss that distributes pressure equally to reduce the possibility of crushing thin materials. They are made from stainless steel to avoid corrosion of rusting and are commonly used in the food, pharmaceutical, and sanitary environments. They have a very smooth finish and are self draining to avoid bacterial growth.
One of the purposes of oval self-drilling screws is to present a finished look. They are beveled under the head to be countersunk and are normally used on metal. Oval head self-drilling screws function much like flat head screws with the exception of the domed type head projecting above the connected surface.
Pan head self-drilling screws cannot be countersunk and have a slightly flat rounded head with chamfered edges. They are flat load bearing with the head having a moderate height and diameter. Pan head self-drilling screws have high outer edges to provide a high tightening torque.
The head on a button head self-drilling screw resembles a dome with a large diameter. They can come with a hex drive that makes them easier to drive since there isn‘t any slipping or stripping.
This type of self-drilling screw is similar to a pan head but has a thicker flat 10% larger bearing surface and deeper drive slot. They are often used to make electrical connections since their wide heads are good for holding terminals and wires.
The ten drives above are a few of the types of drives that are used to manufacture self-drilling screws. The diagram below provides a more complete representation of the many drives available to producers.
In the construction and production of self-drilling screws, as well as their use, there are certain factors that need to be considered. The proper selection of a self-drilling screw can go a long way for ensuring a secure connection and rapid completion of the work.
As with any tool, proper performance can be successfully achieved by paying attention to the requirements of the tool. In the case of self-drilling screws, they can be constricted by the material used to produce them as well as the speed at which they are applied, each of which can fail mid-application if used inappropriately.
The point, which is connected to the flute of a self-drilling screw, is normally made from carbon steel that is less stable at high temperatures unlike high speed steel used to produce drill bits. Screws should be applied using some form of drill motor for protection against wear.
In some cases, coatings can be applied, which offer greater strength and protection against rust and corrosion. A zinc coating on steel protects steel against corrosion.
The temperature stability of the drill point is proportional to the motor RPM, applied force, and the hardness of the workpiece. As each of these increases so does the heat related to the operation of the drill. A reduction in the applied force allows the drill point of the screw to easily penetrate the workpiece. Additionally, reducing the RPM can further improve the performance of self-drilling screws and allows the user to push harder.
Drilling produces friction, which produces heat. A drill point that generates a great deal of heat will fail quickly. This can be controlled by the amount of force applied when drilling as well as the speed of the RPMs on the drill motor.
There are several factors that influence the drilling temperature each of which can be controlled during the application. The RPMs on the motor can be controlled by using the correct settings of the motor to fit the type of material to be drilled and the point of the self-drilling screw.
One of the common errors made when installing a self-drilling screw is the tendency to apply extra force to push the screw into the material. Unfortunately, the application of force can increase the amount of heat created by the screw.
The first consideration regarding the use of any self-drilling screw is the type of material into which it will be injected. Selecting the proper self-drilling screw can prevent a great number of problems especially ones related to the creation of heat during the drilling process.
Reducing the amount of applied force can significantly remove many of the problems associated with connecting two materials. self-drilling screws are designed to penetrate several materials and connect them rapidly and efficiently. Their design, shape, and configuration has been engineered to fit certain materials effortless, without the need for extra pressure or force.
Another common error in a construction or production operation is to speed up the process. In the case of attaching screws, it may mean increasing the speed of the drill motor such that it produces higher RPMs. Each self-drilling screw is designed to be inserted at a particular speed, which is specified by the manufacturer. Attempting to insert them at a speed that is not recommended may cause their failure.
When using a stainless steel self-drilling screw, RPMs of 600 to 900 is recommended. Some manufacturers apply a coating to their screws to help them withstand the torque that is applied.
Each type of self-drilling screw has a set of requirements to ensure their successful use. These recommendations have been tested by designers and engineers to guarantee their products will perform up to quality standards.
The failure of self-drilling screws is closely related to their misuse since they have been tested in a variety of conditions to determine the best way they can be implemented. Many of the problems can be avoided or diagnosed at the beginning of a process.
The best idea to guarantee that a self-drilling screw is performing properly is to test it on the material to be connected. The information below can provide a form of diagnosis to determine the nature of the failure and the means to correct it.
The main culprit in self-drilling screw failure is force. The best way to get the best from any tool, especially self-drilling screws, is to let them do the work. Engineers and designers have perfected and developed self-drilling screws such that they can do the work under the proper conditions without any added force. Ignoring their expertise can lead to failure and loss of time on the job.
The self-drilling screw is being fed too rapidly into the material. This can easily be avoided by slowing down.
Every drill bit has a pre-established cutting speed to provide successful and optimal use. This is also true for self-drilling screws. When they are applied at RPMs outside their established speed, they can overheat and melt the point and remove the cutting edges or corners. This can be corrected by using the correct self-drilling screw for the application and slowing the drill motor speed.
When a tool is used improperly, it will break. This simple rule applies to self-drilling screws. As the amount of force increases during the drilling process, greater stress is put on the screw, which causes it to work harder and break. By reducing and controlling the amount of force, the tool is able to work successfully on its own.
The melting point of any material correlates with the amount of friction, stress, and force that is applied, which is true for the materials used to make self-drilling screws. When the point of a self-drilling screw is under stress, it produces friction, which produces heat. As the heat increases, the point melts and loses its cutting ability.
The reasons for this happening include the application of too much force, the wrong self-drilling screw for the material to be connected, or insufficient chip clearance. The corrections to these problems include choosing the right screw for the material and one with a long pilot section as well as decreasing the amount of force.
When a drill bit is unable to cut into a material, it is the result of the piece to be worked being too hard for the drill bit. . The first step in deciding on a self-drilling screw is to choose one that is appropriate for the material. On the packaging and online, suppliers and manufacturers offer tips and information regarding what self-drilling screw can be used with what material. By carefully examining the requirements, this particular problem can be avoided.
Self-drilling screws are a tool that need to be handled with care. When they are thrown, exposed to abrasive materials, or left in a harsh environment, they may become dull and lose their cutting edge. At the beginning of a job, it is wise to inspect the screws to ensure that they are not damaged.
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