Different Types of Drywall Screws

Posted on 06/01/22

Whether you’re a DIY novice or construction expert, it’s always important to understand what tools are available to you. This includes knowing the difference between self-drilling and self-tapping screws. Although they may look similar in appearance, they each have their own functions and benefits. So, what is the difference between self-drilling and self-tapping screws, and what are the properties of each?

What Is A Self-Drilling Screw?

Self-drilling screws, also recognised as Tek Screws due to the brand that made them so popular, can be identified by the shape of the screw itself. It slightly curves at the end with a shape like a twist drill.

What Are Self Drilling Screws Used For?

 Self-drilling screws are designed for a number of different functions and applications and are similar to drywall screws, with the most common uses being to:

  • secure metal to wood

  • fix metal onto metal

For example, self-drilling screws would be ideal for tasks such as attaching sheet metal onto metal frames, or fitting framework onto a car.

These screws are available in a variety of different lengths, with the drill points being identified by their number (numbers 1 through to 5) in accordance with both their length and thickness. Generally speaking, as the drill point number increases, the volume of metal they can drill through can be increased too.  The way that self-drilling screws differ from others, is that they do not require a pilot hole to cut and fasten, resulting in time being saved during your construction. 

Advantages Of Using Self-Drilling Screws 

Different-Types-Of-Drywall-Screws



The main advantage of using self-drilling screws is the money you can save. Due to the screws not needing a pilot hole to cut and fasten them, you can save money by not needing to pay out for additional drill parts. This function also makes the screws simpler to use, saving you the added task of drilling and then fastening.

How To Use Self Drilling Screws

For basic assistance on how to utilize self-drilling screws, follow the steps below:


  1. Make sure the drill has a hex adapter.

  2. Securely attach the screw to the drill's adapter.

  3. Confirm that the screw has been clearly designated on the material where it should go.

  4. Keep a firm grip and drill the screw into place.



What Is A Self-Tapping Screw?

As the name implies, self-tapping screws are screws that can be tapped into various types of materials. These can include multiple types of metal, polycarbonate, wood, brick, plywood and both cast and forged materials such as aluminum, brass or iron.

What Are Self Tapping Screws Used For?

These screws are commonly used for securing metal brackets onto wood or inserting screws into sturdy applications such as plastic housing. Self-tapping screws may sometimes also be referred to as sheet metal screws, tapping screws, metal screws or tapper screws for short.

Available in a range of different tip shapes, the screw’s tip will vary depending on the type of thread function it has. For example, a pointed screw tip will be for thread-cutting, which taps and creates threads in a pre-drilled hole. Flat screw tips are thread-rolling; it rolls and extrudes threads while creating no clearance between the material and the screw.

The main factor to consider with self-tapping screws is that unlike self-drilling ones, they can not drill through metal without a pilot hole being pre-drilled or pre-punched before installation.

With help from a drill, a pilot hole can be formed that’s slightly smaller than the screw. This then allows the threads of the self-tapping screw to dig into the material while the screw is being installed, securing and fastening the two materials together.

It’s important to consider the size of the punch hole (and the drill used for it) as this needs to be exact when using self-tapping screws. If the hole is slightly too big, the screw can quickly become loose or fail to thread through at all, and if the hole is too small, the screw can split the material due to excessive pressure.

Advantages Of Using Self-Tapping Screws

One of the main advantages of using self-tapping screws is the variety available. Self-tapping screws are available in a range of different sizes and types depending on the project or use you have for them. This makes the screws almost customisable for specific types of installation, giving you confidence in knowing you’re using the right type to give you the finish you desire. Self-tapping screws are particularly ideal in softer materials such as resin or plastics and need just a minor amount of pressure given to them using a screw gun or screwdriver.


How To Use Self Tapping Screws

  1. Mark the precise position where the screw will be utilised, and make sure you have plenty of room to work with.


  1. Use a drill bit that is somewhat smaller than the self-tapping screw so that the threads may bite into something as it turns in.


  1. Make a pilot hole slightly smaller in diameter than the actual screw size. This allows for the body of the screw to fill up the drilled hole, and for the threads to cut into the material as it is tightened.


  1. Place the screw straight in line with the hole and manually turn it in one or two turns. The screw can be left in the hole while you pick up your screwdriver or drill machine as a result of this.


  1. Tighten the self-tapping screw firmly with firm short movements. Make sure the self-tapping screw goes straight in, and don't overdo it since this could cause the head to break off.


Comparing The Similarities And Differences

Self-tapping and self-drilling screws are similar. However, self-tapping screws do not include an integrated drill bit, and some types of self-tapping screws need a pilot hole to be drilled before they can be driven into the material.


Drilling a pilot hole is required for both types of screws, but self-drilling screws eliminate the need for one. Both types of screws tap their own threads and do not require a pilot hole, although they can drill through metal if one is used.


Although they look similar, the two sizes of these screws are not interchangeable. Mixing them up may result in a slew of problems or the risk of failure in the field.



Conclusion

To sum it up, although both self-tapping and self-drilling screws may seem similar, their purposes are ideal for different installations. A self-tapping screw can usually be identified as having a pointed, blunt or flat tip. The main difference between the two is that a self-tapping screw does need a pilot hole to be made before installation, and a self-drilling screw does not.






 

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