Drilling screws into walls and other metallic or non-metallic surfaces can be quite a chore. Not only do they disfigure a perfect-looking wall, but they can also damage its surface if the drilling is not carried out perfectly. Drilling screws, therefore, requires precision and professional expertise that only a few people possess. Thankfully, with the introduction of Tek or self-drilling screws, the whole act of drilling has now become easy, thereby increasing productivity and saving both time and money.
Tek screws is an alternate name for self-drilling screws. Tek screws are functionally identical to self-drilling screws. Industries, which work with metal sheets, typically prefer self-drilling screws over others for the smoother finish they provide and the improved efficiency they offer. No wonder, A Tek or a self-drilling screw has been called a revolutionary invention in the world of hardware.
To put it simply, Tek screws or self-drilling screws are basically fasteners, which have a drilling bit attached to their end, thereby enabling users to drill them directly on metal and wooden surfaces without having to pre-drill a hole.
Today, Tek screws or self-drilling screws are used both in domestic households and industries the world over. Cheaper and more efficient, these screws have a wide range of advantages, especially for metallic surfaces such as thin metallic sheets.
These screws are distinguished by the TEK number of the tip. Generally speaking, this number has to do with the length of the drill point at the end of each screw. The most common TEK Screw point is a TEK 3. These are used to drill into thinner metals such as 12-gauge steel, and can pierce 20 to 14 gauge metals. On 14 gauge and below, a TEK 5 point is recommended.
Self-drilling screws are made of hard metal, usually specifically treated to be harder than the metal that is being drilled into. The most common material used in these Screws is 410 Stainless Steel. This grade of stainless will provide the corrosion and rust resistance of standard 18-8 stainless, however it has been heat treated (up to 40 Rockwell C) to ensure that the drill point will successfully pierce the metal being drilled into.
In this article, we take a look at the various advantages of Tek screws or self-drilling screws and try to understand as to why these screws are being preferred by users all over the world.
What is the major difference between Tek & Self Drilling screws?
A ‘self-drilling screw’ is a generic name given to a screw that comes with the drilling bit attached to it. As mentioned before, unlike normal screws, these screws do not require users to pre-drill a hole. Tek is a leading brand producing world-class screws and fasteners. Like the best brands, the brand name here has become identical or synonymous with the product itself. Thus a Tek screw is functionally the same as a self-drilling screw.
The confusion partly stems from the fact that sometimes, engineers or hardware experts confuse between Tek screws and self-tapping screws. While Tek screws are self-drilling screws, the latter operates on a different logic than self-tapping screws. Let’s take a look:
- Self-tapping screws: They need a pilot hole to be drilled onto the surface of a wood or a metallic object. Once the hole is made, the tapping threads of the screw enter the hole making a further dent. Tapping screws usually work best for hard wooden and metallic surfaces. Not all tips of tapping screws are pointed. Some are also blunt in nature.
- Self-drilling screws: Tek screws, also known as self-drilling screws, need no pilot hole to begin with. These screws act as both drillers as well as fasteners. The drilling end of the screw drills automatically on surfaces making clean holes. These screws work best for metallic surfaces. Experts say that these screws are excellent for attaching thin metallic sheets.
What are the various uses of self-drilling screws?
There are a number of advantages that self-drilling screws have as compared to normal screws. Because of the fact that these screws require no pre-drilling, they yield smoother finish and save time, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency.
- No preparation required: The main advantage of self-drilling screws is that these screws do not require much preparation in terms of drilling holes or hiring someone who is capable of handling a drilling machine. Easy to use, such screws can simply be bought from the market and used directly. Home users too can use these screws effectively at home without drilling and pre-fixings.
- Saves up on time: Since Tek screws or self-drilling screws require no pre-drilling holes on walls and surfaces, they can save a lot of time for users. Home users particularly can benefit a lot from Tek screws. This is because, such users, who are compelled to run errands and manage multiple tasks, can benefit a lot from the time saved. Rather than spending hours, drilling holes and fixing screws on them, users can simply opt for self-drilling screws.
- Screws are anti-corrosive: Perhaps the best part is that these screws, unlike their older metallic counterparts, are usually made out of stainless steel or zinc. They are rust-free and anti-corrosive in nature. We all know the power of stainless steel to withstand corrosion and rust. Tek screws are made from high-grade, anti-corrosive material that can withstand rust and corrosion. As such, compared to other types of screws, self-drilling screws require less maintenance.
- Reduces mess: Pre-drilling a hole on the wall can often lead to a mess. However, Tek screws can easily drill clean holes in the wall, thereby reducing the chances of creating a mess.
- More Durable: Because Tek screws are made from rust-free, anti-corrosive material, they are much more durable than other screws that are made out of low-grade metals. Durability is, undoubtedly, one of the most important benefits of such screws.
- Improved efficiency: With less time needed for preparation such as drilling holes and adjusting the screws according to the size of the holes made, Tek screws or self-drilling screws can improve efficiency and productivity significantly. In metallurgical industries, improved efficiency can lead to greater profits and revenue maximization.
Types of self-drilling screws
The markets are filled with a variety of self-drilling screws based on the nature of the threads and the tip of the screws. Here is a list of most popular screws:
- Countersunk/Flat-head self-drilling screws: These screws allow for a smoother finish as compared to other types. This is because the flat surface of the screw sits neatly with surrounding material, thereby giving a better finish.
- Allen/Socket Head self-drilling screws: Due to the socket-shaped feature of the head, this screw allows more protection. This screw head is less prone to be distorted or broken because of the unique socket head feature.
- Bugle Head self-drilling screws: Bugle head screws look like bugle – the musical instrument. The screw features a countersunk head with a flat top and a concave bearing face. The shape allows distribution on a much wider area than it is possible with a flat screw head.
- Pancake Head self-drilling screws: Having large pancake-like heads, these screws have a sheet metal thread with a self-driller end that smoothly cuts into surfaces, especially metallic ones.
Conclusion
Screws and fasteners have been called game-changers in the Industrial Revolution. Although the Greeks and Assyrians knew their uses, it was not till the late 18th century that screws became popular in mass industrial production. Over the years, with increasing thread form standardization and structural improvement, screws, especially self-drilling ones, have become extremely popular the world over for use on metal sheets. Self-drilling screw manufacturers make these screws in a variety of types based on their shapes.
This article highlights the benefits of using self-drilling screws as compared to normal ones. Compared to normal screws, self-drilling ones offer a far better choice in terms of efficiency, consumption of time and the finished product. With no additional requirement of pre-drilling holes, these screws have undoubtedly superior benefits.
Self-drilling screws are used primarily when fastening into steel or other metals and are typically used to join materials like metal sheets. These screws are identified by the unique point or flute at the end of each screw. Self-drillers are used to save time and effort, because they eliminate the need to drill a pilot hole, tap it, and then install the screw.