How To Master The Use Of Self-Drilling Screw?
Are self-drilling screws and self-tapping screws the same? The answer is no. Self-tapping screws tap their own threads, but they can’t drill through hard objects like metals, etc. They need a pilot hole for proper installation, unlike self-drilling screws that do not require any pilot hole.
Both self-drilling screws and self-tapping screws can tap their own threads. But the former has a higher thread count as compared to the latter. In other words, all self-drilling screws are in a way self-tapping screws, but the vice versa is not true. It is because of their differences these two screws can’t be used interchangeably.
Self-drilling screws over self-tapping screws:
The installation time for self-drilling screws is way faster, and they are fairly easy to use with just a drill. They save time and cost and hence, are preferred over self-tapping screws.
Specifications of self-drilling screws:
There are several specifications that need to be checked and verified before buying self-drilling screws.
a. Self-drilling screws are available in multiple materials including carbon alloy, copper, stainless steel, aluminium, brass or polycarbonate.
b. There are various types of screw heads namely phillip, pozi, slot hex, torx, square, etc.
c. Different kinds of chemical plating or coating are done on self-drilling screws. The common ones are tin, zinc, phosphate, polycarbonate, copper, etc.
d. There are specific diameter and length of these screws, and you need to pick the ones as per your requirement and job specifications.
How To Expertise In Using Self-Drilling Screws?
If you are willing to know how to use a self-drilling screw like an expert, there are certain things that you must learn and follow.
a. Selection of Fastener
Selecting the right grade and the type of material for the fastener is important. It is better to select fasteners made of stainless steel, brass, or plastic, varying according to their purpose. While stainless steel is the best for protection from corrosion and its affordability, brass is a good option for brazing, and plastic is the right choice for underwater uses.
b. Choice of Surface Finish
Steel fastener often tend to develop cavities and roughness resulting in stains or poor appearance of the screws. It is suggested to select the optimum surface finish to achieve good resistance from corrosion.
c. Composition of Fasteners
Most of the steel screws lack of chromium in their composition and hence get rusted faster than stainless steel screws with adequate chromium coating.
d. Galvanic Corrosion
When two different metals corrode after being charged through electrical contact, it results into galvanic corrosion. Using nylon-washers effective ensures that stainless steel fasteners do not come in contact with the other metal panels.
e. Maintenance
The durability of the fasteners depends on regular maintenance and cleaning. Extended exposure to water and contaminants affects the life and appearance of the fasteners, and hence there has to be regular planned maintenance and cleaning to keep the fastener on place.
The best way to use a self-drilling screw is by using a drill or an electrical screwdriver. A pilot hole can be created to ensure the metal screw is aligned to the hole perfectly. Pilot hole must be smaller in diameter than that of the screw so that the threads catch effectively. Also, it must be kept in mind not to tighten the strip of the screw head too much or else removing the same would be difficult.
If you are here right now and could get a grasp of the entire process to use self-drilling screw, we assume you can easily use one, when required. Get the required number of screws from a trusted brand that sells good quality self-drilling screws.
