What Are Self-Tapping Screws and What Are They Used For?
Those who deal with maintenance and DIY know well self-tapping screws because they can solve various problems when you work with certain materials such as, for example, wood and plastic. The starting point is clear: we're talking about mechanical elements capable of tightening and joining two different structures with a certain degree of safety given, precisely, by the tightening we give to the screw.
Only that these models have a very specific characteristic: they allow you to create the threading in the material simply by inserting the element. What exactly are we talking about? Keep reading for more information.
What are self-tapping screws?
Self-tapping screws are pins that are inserted with a normal screwdriver or relative inserts if you use an electric screwdriver. The fundamental characteristic: they automatically create the threading when screwed in, bypassing the need to pre-tap the hole. Otherwise, you would have to first drill a hole in the material and then use a nut to create the profile.
These self-drilling and self-tapping screws are characterized by a sharp tip that allows you to penetrate the material without much difficulty. The sharp-edged profile gives you the ability to carve the threading while you are intent on screwing this mechanical element. Remember that there are self-tapping screws for sheet metal that are screws capable of creating threading on thin sheets.
When to use self-tapping screws?
These tools are used when you need a solid and powerful fastening system, but also fast in managing certain materials. Let's start from the base: we know that self-tapping screws create the threading without further tools, so it's not necessary to prepare the threading with the nut. This characteristic simplifies the process and reduces working times.
But without sacrificing work quality and giving up toughness or robustness. There is the versatility of the tool to add: self-tapping screws are available for both wood and metal and plastic. Also with self-drilling characteristics. What does the last step mean? Keep reading to deepen this step?
Difference between self-tapping and self-drilling
What do self-tapping screws mean? Simple, in screwing in they automatically create the necessary threading to hook this element in the material you are working on. Let's remember: these pins are available in different sizes, shapes and materials. While, what are self-drilling screws? The name is already a definition: they allow you to practice a hole independently, without a pilot hole.
Some self-tapping screws are drilling: in addition to the section that forms the threading there is also a fluted tip that performs the hole. These screws allow you to perform in a single operation drilling, creation of the threading and installation of the pin.
Can these models be used for materials like metal or hard plastics? Yes, there are specific solutions with a cut in the continuity of the screw. In the image that you see above, taken from Wikipedia, you can see how the threading is structured.
How to use self-tapping screws
The first point to emphasize: you need a useful tool to screw. It can be a screwdriver or an electric screwdriver with relative inserts, like those you find in Krino LTI sets. Have you already identified the precise point where the screw should be inserted?
Now you can create a mark with a center punch and position the screw with two fingers. Then let the tool maintain the pressure rotating and pushing with the right force. This is if we're talking about a screw that is both self-tapping and self-drilling.
If instead you don't have the possibility to create the hole you have to make one with the drill. It will have to be of a smaller diameter compared to the screw in order to ensure the right space to carve the threading. But if you have a good Krino drill bit kit there are no problems: you certainly have everything you need for an adequate pilot hole. At this point you just have to screw with the right force to create the threading.
