Self-tapping screws is types of fastener that create there own threads as the person drives the self-tapping screw into the material. These screws are use to secure pieces of metal. However, the person using the screw must select the correct self-tapping screw to ensure that the screw function properley.
Using the wrong size or point type of self-tapping screw will cause the screw to spin uselessly on a metal. Therefore, the person must choose the correct self-tapping screw for the thickness and type of metal that they is securing. Self-tapping screws comes in several point types.
How to Choose and Use Self-Tapping Screws
The Type A self-tapping screw feature a sharp point and works more better for thin sheet metal as the screw will pierce the metal without the need for a pilot hole. However, if a person use this type of screw on thick metal, it can stall or even snap on the metal. The Type B self-tapping screw have a blunt point and must have a pre-drilled pilot hole in the metal.
This is because the blunt point cannot pierce the metal on its own. Lastly, the Tek screw also is a type of self-tapping screw but features a built-in drill tip that allow the person to drill into a piece of metal and tap the threads without having to do it separately. Another factor that determine how well a self-tapping screw will fasten the two metals together is the diameter of the screw and the pitch of the threads.
Fine threads are best suited for metals that are thin as they will grip that thinner metal piece more tight. Using fine threads will also prevent the metal from pulling through the self-tapping screw. Coarser threads are used for metals that are denser or thicker as they will not get too caught on the thicker metal.
In either case, a size chart can help the person determine the correct size of the shank of the screw and the thread per inch. In order for a self-tapping screw to properly install into a piece of metal, the pilot holes is essential. Too small of a pilot hole may cause the self-tapping screw to strip its thread.
If the pilot hole is too large for the self-tapping screw, the screw will not have a good grip on the metal and will become loose. The person must ensure that the pilot hole is the correct size for the self-tapping screw. For example, smaller #4 self-tapping screws will work best on 28-gauge metal.
However, larger #14 self-tapping screws works best on 12-gauge metal. The type of metal also affect the way that a person should use the self-tapping screw. For metals like aluminum, the self-tapping screw can gall.
This mean the screw will create ridges on the aluminum metal that will cause the screw to bind when being tightened. Therefore, a person should use low torque on aluminum metal and use a Type AB self-tapping screw. On the other hand, stainless steel metal will harden if the screw work it.
Thus, people should use wax lubricant and use slow speeds on the stainless steel metal when using a self-tapping screw. Lastly, plastic metal can also be secure with self-tapping screws. However, plastic metal can crack if the screw is too strong.
Thus, thread-forming self-tapping screws should be used on plastic metal so that the screw will displace the metal instead of cutting it. Self-tapping screws has several drive types. Phillips drive heads are designed in such a way that they will cam out of the metal.
This is to prevent the person from applying too much torque when using the self-tapping screw. Torx drive heads will provide high level of grip with the screw and will work best with power tools. Finally, hex drive heads allow the person to use a wrench to secure the screw and will work best in situations where the person need to apply high levels of torque.
A person should also follow the correct measurement when using self-tapping screws. When using self-tapping screws, a person must measure the length of the screw. Using a screw that is too long will cause it to poke thro
