Explore the Self-Tapping and Self-Drilling Screws

 Self-tapping and self-drilling are both used for fastening materials. Despite the same work, their working process is different. These screws are sturdier than regular screws and don't need separate drilling. These are made to save time and effort. They drill, tap the thread, and then fasten sequentially in less time. For time-saving and attractive features, their demand is increasing day by day.

1. Self-tapping screw

These screws can dig its hole without pre-drilling. There are two classes of self-tapping screws. One type is thread-forming, and the second type is thread-cutting.  Thread-forming types have non-circular top-view, including Taptite screws which have three-fold symmetry, and Pentalobular screws having five-fold symmetry. The thread-cutting types have more than one flute used for threading. 

Thread-forming screws are used for soft surfaces like plastic. However, it can remain more compressed, so there is a chance of over-compressing the screw into the object. The object can be broken due to the pressure. 

Thread-cutting screws are used for metal and wood. It can remove some of the object's material to create its threading hole. The large-sized screws are beneficial and suggested by the self tapping screw manufacturers, due to the lower risk of losing the fastener.

2. Self-drilling screw

Self-drilling screws are easily distinguishable for their points. Its head is as sharp as the twisted drills. This sharp tip acts like a twisted drill. At a single time, it can do all three steps, including drilling, threading, and fastening in a smooth movement. Self drilling screw manufacturers make these kinds of screws to save time and energy. 

These screws also work well on metal and wooden sheets. According to self drilling screw manufacturers, these are super-powered screws. These types can do their job in a hardened object without separate drilling. 

Similarities

The main similarity between these two screws is they both made threads at the time of penetration. These two also work in hardened sheets without drilling before.

Differences

Among these two screws, the self-drilling screw saves much time. It is harder than self-tapping screws. On the other hand, with proper installation, they can do their job without leaving any errors behind.

Conclusion

Self tapping screw manufacturers like Superscrew suggest self-tapping screws for softer objects. Self-drilling is used for harder materials like metal objects. Both screws are self-sufficient for drilling and threading.