Self tapping screws

I think you pretty much said it all in your post.

Hex Self Tapping Screws

Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

I just used some self-tapping screws for a project that I bought at Lowes. They included a rubber washer and a metal washer, already installed on the screw. They go in using a driver/drill. The rubber washer gives it some give and I used them to fasten plastic conduit clamps.

I see many different types, there. Thanks for that.

I guess I should have been a little more specific, in that I was looking for a self-tapping screw that would easily penetrate soft or low-carbon steel, like the one's I used on the Limey motorcycle frame. Is that a special type, or do they all do that? I'm looking to use the screws to punch through and lock up the louvre adj linkage on a forced air heat register, which is stamped steel. Thnx.

nb

Those screws were actually designed for assembling metal buildings and corrugated metal roofing. The rubber washer is the weather seal.

TDD

There are many different styles of Tek screws. Some have little ears above the drill bit to widen a hole through wood when wood is being fastened to metal beams. If you search Tek or drill point screws, you'll probably come across the exact screw you have used.

TDD

"notbob" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@nb.i-did-not-set--mail-host-address--so-tickle-me...

TEK screws. Sold at Lowes, HD and Ace. Cheaper by the box of 100 but that depends on how many you need.

I use the #6 x 1/2 to drill the hard coat on plaster. Cheaper and safer than drill bits for the same job. Of course my price is based on a bag of

Colbyt

Those are usually used for metal roofing. The washer is to stop water. They're actually OK anywhere else, but a little on the expensive side if not really needed.

HTH,

Twayne`

There are different types of screws: The self-drilling and self-tapping. One simply brings the point of the screw to a fine point with the threads going all the way to the end. They're good for sheet metal or most sheet products. BTW, your motorcycle or whatever it was is likely to be soft steel; it has to have five to it in order to not crack or break upon hard hits on the screw during riding. I know the frames on Harleys and Hondas are soft steel, depending on what part you'\re looking at; like the frame itself, front fork, etc..

The other type, the threads don't go all the way to the point. However, the point is shaped almost like drill bit and some are fluted, to pull the debris out, within reason. The length of the drill-looking part is the depth of steel max it can be used on. All kinds of sizings are available. See

Either type should work for you.

HTH,

Twayne`

I need some self hammering nails.

Do you people ever actually read what you are replying to?

Anyway, thanks for the link.

nb

As everyone else has replied.... called Tek Screws (like Cleanex).

I have found that the screws available at HD (Western States Mfg?) have slightly shorter heads (~1/32 or so) than the ones I've gotten through McMaster.

These slightly shorter heads do not engage in the my hex drivers as well as the McMaster ones.

These self tapping screws work best if you really "lean into them", the HD ones have a tendency to "tip over" when really leaned into.

Just a heads up YMMV

cheers Bob

It sounds as if you may want screws that are "self-drilling" as well as self-tapping. See

I am surprised that no one has mentioned McFeely's yet. You need to check

No affiliation, just a very satisfied customer.

Pierre

Great resourse. Thank you.

nb

Remington...

"notbob" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@nb.i-did-not-set--mail-host-address--so-tickle-me...

There are lots and lots of different self taps for lots and lots of uses. Some are the common types available at the hardware stores, and some are only available at fastener suppliers. All self taps are not tek, and there are hundreds of different ones.

Steve

Interesting that McFeely's say they're the square drive specialists but examples are hard to find on their site. As far as I'm concerned, square drive (Robertson) are better than any other.