Screws consist of a head, shank, threads and the tip or point. The point of a screw is the first part of the screw to make contact with the material you’re working with. Different types of screw points serve different purposes. For example, some are better suited for sheet metal or soft materials than others, while other points are designed for misaligned holes or minimizing the risk for surface cracking. Use this screw point type chart to find the best screw for your project.
Tapping Screw Points
If you’re looking for thin sheet metal screw point types, tapping screws are a popular choice because they do not require a pilot hole to begin. These screws are externally threaded and create — or “tap” — their own threads in thin sheet metals and non-metal materials.
Some types of tapping screws include:
Type A: Type A screws have coarse threads that make them useful when you need to drill or nest a hole in thin sheet metal, resin plywood, asbestos combinations and other materials. They are threading screws and not recommended for new designs.
Type B: You can use a fine-thread Type B screw for non-ferrous lightweight and heavy metals, plastics, resin plywood and other materials.
Type AB: Type AB screws are thread forming screws similar to both Type A and Type B points. It has the pointed tip of a Type A point screw but the threads of a Type B point screw. This combination makes them ideal for thin sheet metal, resin plywood, composite materials and several other industry-spanning applications.
Type BP: These screws have a similar thread style to Type B points but with a slightly longer and more pointed tip. If you’re working on a project with misaligned holes, a Type BP point is a thread forming screw suitable for use in heavy and lightweight sheet metal, plastic and other materials.
Thread Cutting Screw Points
Thread cutting screws work like self-tapping screws and can help you create new holes in different materials like wood and metal. Due to the way a thread cutting screw is designed, it doesn’t take much torque to apply them. Minimal stress is placed on the material, decreasing the chance for product damage.
Common types of thread cutting screws include:
Type F: Type F screw points are a type of thread cutting and self-tapping screw with cutting edges and a blunt and tapered end at the tip. These features make it useful for heavy materials, like cast iron, sheet metal, brass and some plastics.
Type D/Type 1: Type D screw points — also known as Type 1 points — are a thread cutting point with a single flute. Type D tips are suitable for field replacement and general use applications.
Type G: Type G screw points are blunt and have singular slots to create sharp cutting edges.
Type 17: You can use a coarse, sharp Type 17 screw tip for wood and field replacement applications.
Type 23/Type T: Type 23 points, also known as Type T points, require minimum tightening torque and are good for chip clearing and maximum thread cutting.
Type 25/Type BT: Type 25 points, called Type BT points, are similar to Type 23 points, except they have coarser threads for use with softer materials, like plastic.
Thread Forming Screw Points
Thread forming screws have a high and low thread. These screws displace and shape the material while in motion, securing it. They typically have a blunt end for use with high-performance thermoplastics, sheet metal, plastic and composite materials.
Thread forming screw points include:
Type C: Type C screws have a blunt and tapered point and require a higher driving torque. You can use these with heavy sheet metals, die castings and similar materials.
Type CA: Type CA screw points have either fine or coarse threads and a pointed, gimlet tip.
Type PT: Type PT screw tips are the ideal solution for low-density materials, such as nylon or wood, that you want to avoid cracking or chipping during screw installation.
Type “TT”: “TT” tips, or “tri-round” tips, roll materials to form matching threads without producing any chips. This means you can drive the screw in with less torque than you would with other thread forming screws.
Self Drilling and Self Piercing Screw Points
Self-drilling and self-piercing screws are similar, but different points make them suitable for different applications and materials:
Self-drilling: Self-drilling screws are also known as Tek screws and eliminate the need for hole preparation. They are suitable for metal, plastic and wooden material applications and minimize the amount of build-up or foreign debris common in pre-drilled holes.
Self-piercing: Self-piercing screws are similar to self-drilling screws, except they have a pointed tip that allows them to quickly pierce through sheet metal without sacrificing any stability. They are also called needle point, speed point and spring point screws.
Machine Screw Points
Machine screws are small and uniform, with either fine or coarse threads. They are intended for use in electronics, casings, manufacturing equipment and other precise applications. Some machine screw point types include:
Dog point: Dog point, or extended point, machine screws have a protruding tip and a flat end for permanent application.
Cone point: Cone points are smooth and shaped like their name, ideal for contoured surfaces or applications that require an angle.
Cupped point: Cupped point machine screws have a gripped, cup-shaped end for quick assembly or temporary projects.
Header point: Header point machine screws have large thread roots and are small in diameter.
Pinched nail point: Pinched nail point machine screws have a sharp, squared nail-like tip that can pair wood with softer materials.
Rolled point: Rolled points are long with a cone-like end known as a chamfer.
Round point: These screw points are rounded and allow you to apply pressure and create friction without damaging or deforming the material you’re working with.
Rounded pinch point: Rounded pinch point screw tips are slightly rounded with pinched sides.
Type U drive point: The tip of these screws is flat with rounded edges, and you can use them for permanent application in plastic and metal material.
What Type of Point Does a Hex Lag Screw Have?
Hex lags — also known as hex bolts and lag screws — are strong, sturdy screws with deep threads and a nut on one side that you can use to hold heavy-duty materials together. You need to pre-drill a hole before using a hex lag screw. All hex lag screws have the same six-sided head, and the most common hex lag screw point type is a pointed gimlet shape.
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Head Screw Lady Since 1986! Specializing in breaking down the language barrier between suppliers and end users.
During her 35 years working in the fastener industry, MaryLouise has worked directly with end users, contractor’s, OEM’S and DIY, as well working within the import industry, working with fastener manufacturers and distributors. This has given her the unique perspective of having the technical knowledge needed to perform in the fastener world but also be familiar with the needs of end users who don’t necessarily know the fastener jargon or applications to know exactly what they need for their jobs.
