2007-05-09 07:07:26 · 13 answers · asked by Rupert the gardener 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
What it probably should say is "self-drilling" which means that you shouldn't have to drill a pilot hole before inserting the screw. Although, if you are screwing into a hardwood (like oak) or wood that is very thin, these screws probably won't work. To be safe, test the screw on a piece of scrap first. You may end up having to drill a pilot hole anyway, so paying extra for these screws would be a waste of money. "Self tapping" typically refers to sheet metal screws. Tapping is the term for creating threads in metal.
2007-05-09 07:28:19 · answer #1 · answered by STEVE C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Self tapping screws are normally used for metal, usually for fixing thin sheets, a pilot hole is usually drilled first. Wood screws need pilot holes in hard wood or if heavy gauge screws are in use, but the 'new' types of wood screws (e.g. Spax) have 'saw' points which do not split as much as the traditional types. Self tapping, basically means that the screw cuts it own thread as its driven. Some self tappers (for metal) have a drilling point, to drill a pilot hole before the thread engages.
http://www.spax.com/gb/
2007-05-09 07:49:41 · answer #2 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you need a Nut Driver. It has a socket head that fits over the head of the self tapping screws. The other end fits into your drill chuck. It makes screwing in self taping screws easy. You can buy a set of 5 different sizes for $3 at Harbor Freight Tools.
2016-05-19 00:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as above but a normal screw will tend to split thin wood where a self tapping one shouldn't split the wood when you drive it home
2007-05-09 07:19:51 · answer #4 · answered by edtella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means that the screw has a special hardened tip that cuts its own thread as it is screwed in to a material. not usually used with wood though, more commonly used in metal.
wood is generally soft enough to allow a normal wood screw to grip without having threads pre-cut.
2007-05-09 07:17:34 · answer #5 · answered by Barefoot_Ben 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
less likley to split hard wood when screwed into without pre drilling
2007-05-09 13:41:58 · answer #6 · answered by vincent s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it cuts its own thread usually on ally or tin you drill a small hole and the hard end screw cuts through
2007-05-09 07:20:24 · answer #7 · answered by ray j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually used on metal or harder surfaces. I have always found them to be awkward, but then I have botched almost every job I have done in a DIY lifetime.
2007-05-09 07:17:54 · answer #8 · answered by Duncan Disorderly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No pilot hole required ..... the end of the screw will justify
2007-05-09 07:19:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that you dont have to predrill the hole, just push and screw it in.
2007-05-09 07:15:55 · answer #10 · answered by Plant32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋