What is a self tapping screw?

Self tapping screws are a special type of screw that can self-drill a matching internal thread in a pre-drilled hole in a metal or non-metal material to achieve a fastened connection. A self tapping screw is a screw that can tap its own hole as it is driven into the material. More narrowly, self tapping is used only to describe a specific type of thread-cutting screw intended to produce a thread in relatively soft material or sheet materials, excluding wood screws.

Among small screw products, self tapping screws have irreplaceable features compared to other screws in terms of size, thread form, head shape and drilling performance. They are widely used in engineering due to their high strength, single-piece, single-body and single-sided assembly characteristics. The design features of self tapping screws enable them to be screwed directly into the connected material without pre-tapping, and to "tap, drill, squeeze, and press" the corresponding threads on the connected body through their own threads, thereby achieving the effect of tightening.

This type of screw usually has a pointed head and a large pitch, so that it can be screwed directly into the material without the need for pre-drilling and tapping, achieving a quick and firm connection. Self tapping screws have a wide range of applications, including but not limited to connections between thin metal plates (such as steel plates, sawn plates, etc.), as well as connections between non-metallic materials (such as wood boards, wall panels, plastics, etc.). Due to its high anti-loosening ability and removable and reusable characteristics, self tapping screws have been widely used in engineering.

In addition, the material of self tapping screws is mostly steel, and the surface is galvanized and passivated to improve its corrosion resistance and service life. This treatment not only enhances the appearance quality of the screws, but also further ensures its reliability and durability in various environments.