Review & Buying Guide for Tek Screws | Screw Types, Purpose & More
Tek Screws (Self-Drilling Screws) Review and Buying Guide
Self-drilling screws are not very new to the world of fasteners.
Because there are many names for the same part, it can end up being very confusing. They are not much different than standard screws but come with distinct features that make them standout clearly from the rest. They are of different types and each type has its specific role to play.
The following are some of the common types and how and when they are used:
- Bi-metal and stainless steel- tek screws made of this type of material is primarily used for fastening in situations where products made of stainless steel are required. Other situations it can be used include fitting steel to steel, stitching of casing panels as well as fixing composites or timber to aluminum.
- Type 17 point – Also known as an auger point can be used to join together profile metal sheets and timber purlins or cement sheets to light sections steel and timber.
- Heating & ventilation screws – 8×1/2 hex washer head self-tapping needlepoint and self-drilling screws are the most popular. is very simple; manufacture and assembly of air conditioning systems as well as ducting.
- Hex head for heavy steel – if you are out to fix steel to steel, this head style will be ideal for use as well as when fastening general components and liner panels to steel. They are also good for fixing roofing applications and cladding to both cold and hot rolled rails and purlins.
- Hex head for light steel – this head style is also good to fix steel to steel, fasten general components and liner panels to steel in addition to fixing roofing applications and cladding to both cold and hot rolled rails and purlins.
- Metal framing – these self-drilling screws are primarily used to fix any steel to steel even though there are many other options available. But, that is the main purpose of the screws.
- Stitching screws – as the name suggests, use these screws to stitch cladding panels.
- Reamer tek screw – if there are any composites and timber to fix to steel, these will be the ideal screws to use for accomplishing that. They are also good for fastening timber to thick steel sections including situations where normal tek screws cannot be used with very hard steels.
- Zinc coated – these are another type of screws to consider and are ideal for fastening in situations where you will not require high end corrosion resistant coating. Use them also when fixing composites and timber to steel.
- Composite panel fasteners – use these screws to fix roofing applications and cladding to both cold and hot rolled rails and purlins. Other applicable situations are when fastening general components and liner panels to very heavy steel.With all these types, the next big thing will be making out how to make the right purchase. You must be in a position of choosing the ideal screws to help accomplish the task you have at hand. If you are not well informed on how to go about your purchase process, it might end up in frustrations once you are stuck. Regardless of whether you are buying your screws from an online store or physical store, you must ensure everything is thorough.
Plan your purchase well
When you are looking for a quote, you should be ready to supply the following information:
- Head style-is it a hex head? If so, what size hex head will you be using? (1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″)or do you need something to go flush? There are all types of head styles to fit the type of job.
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What size shank will the screw need? The shank is the thickness of the screw. (#6, #8, #10, #12, #14). Keep in mind, the higher the number, the thicker the shank.
- How long is the screw? Very important. You would measure from underneath the head to the tip of the screw.
- What does the point look like? Is it sharp? Does it look like a drill bit? Does it have a groove at the end? Let the salesperson know what
you will be using it for and they can help you decide. Are you going through metal, wood? - Will a zinc plated screw work for you? Or do you need stainless? copper? If it’s stainless, do you want magnetic, or non-magnetic?
- How many do you want and how quickly do you need them? Remember in the case of painted screws, there is a lead time for painting, so please get your quote early.
Ask questions! Your sales people are there to help you. Whoever you are working with will want to get you the right screw at the right price. All business is designed for customer satisfaction. Nobody wants an unhappy customer. Doesn’t matter if you are a one time customer or a regular account, your sales person wants to make you happy.
Hope this helps you in your pursuit of choosing a fastener. Whether you are a contractor, purchasing agent for an OEM or a DIY guy/girl, we hope this information help you choose the right screw for the job!
Decoding the Meaning Behind the Screw Label Numbers
What Do All the Numbers Mean?
Did you ever read the label and wonder what all the numbers represented? Well, here’s your decoder ring! We get that there are a lot of screw numbers out there, and it’s important to find the right one for your specific project. At All Points Fasteners, Inc., we’re here to help our customers make informed decisions and understand the best options for their applications. Let us help you find the right solutions for your projects and get you ready to tackle the job with confidence.
What Do Screw Numbers Mean?
Whatever type of project you’re working on or industry you’re a part of, screw numbers can help you get the precise sizing and specifications you need for your tool. The number can tell you a lot about the screw so you can find what you need for your intended use. Some of the information it shows you includes:
- Length
- Shank thickness
- Threads per inch
- Material thickness the screw’s tip can drive through
Here’s an example: 12-24 X 7/8 Hex Washer Head Self Drilling #3 Drill Bit
12 – Represents the thickness of the shank. Think dress size. The bigger the number, the thicker the shank.
24 – Represents the number TPI, or the number of threads per inch. The higher the number, the finer the threads, which are best used in metal applications. The fewer the threads per inch, the coarser the threads, the faster the screw will drive and are the preferred threading for wood applications or wood studs.
7/8 – measurement from underneath the head to the tip of the screw. In the case of flat headed screws, the length is measured from the top of the screw to the point.
#3 Drill Bit – Drill bit tips range from #2 to #5. They do not represent the size of the hole that they will drill but do represent the thickness of metal they will drive through. But we will save that for another tip!
Finding the Right Screw Label Numbers for Your Applications
So now you know how screw label numbers work — but how do you choose the right one for proper fastening? You can follow some quick guidelines to help you select the best option for your applications. To decide what size screw you need, evaluate the width of the material you’re dealing with and the weight it will need to support. Once you’ve analyzed how the screw will need to work for you, you can decide how big or small a screw you’ll need.
It’s also important to consider the screw length you’ll need based on the depth of the material and what style head will work best.
Work With All Points Fasteners to Get the Right Screws for Your Project
At All Points Fasteners, we offer quality parts and great service for every customer. As a trusted supplier, we provide the products contractors in the construction industry use every day. Whatever your requirements, we can help you find the right options for your application so you can get started sooner. When you work with us, you’ll get access to a wide range of products and trusted customer support to answer any questions and ensure you have what you need for the job.
We give you more than just the products themselves — we’ll chase down order information, find uncommon fasteners and provide expert guidance on using our offerings. If you’re looking for trusted resources and ongoing product support to make finding the right supplies easier, partner with us. Whenever you have questions or need to find the right fasteners for the job, reach out to our team for help. Get started today and request a product quote.
Designer Screws Other Than Zip & Tek Screws
Not Just Zip Screws and Tek Screws!
Having been in the fastener industry for contractors since 1986 selling zip screws and tek screws you would think there would be nothing new to learn. Wrong! Although we specialize in screws mainly used by the Heating and Air Conditioning and Gutter industries , more and more I am hearing from OEM’S or engineers who are desperately looking for screws that don’t exist. They needs head diameter’s that are smaller so that they will fit in between narrow grooves, points that will penetrate hard plastic, then go through 30 gauge steel and then tap into stucco then into wood. And they are being used outdoors in the snow but should be rust proof but not as expensive as stainless steel. And all in the same screw! It’s a wonder I have a hair left on my head!
In years past, designer screws were a source of frustration for me because one of my contractors would pick up a screw that he really liked on a job site and then want me to locate a source for them. After many hours, maybe days, of diligent searching, I would finally find out that someone like a major hotel chain had the screws made especially for them to install the cabinets in their hotels and getting the same screws with the same dimensions was never going to happen.
Well the good news is that some manufacturers have changed their willingness to do smaller orders so that the chance of having these ‘designer screws’ manufactured is much higher now than it was in the past. Within recent months, we have been successful in procuring parts that in the past would have been impossible to supply. Of course, there are still minimums to be met but instead of having to order containers of screws in order to get the manufacturers interested, we can get away with a pallet or two. Good news for some but still not low enough for others.
Still, there are many more options available to choose from than there were 20 years ago, starting with coatings to keep screws from rusting as quickly. Take a look at our ceramic coated zip screws, available which with painted heads as well. These parts work great in areas where weather conditions are moist. We will soon be supplying needlepoint screws which are stainless steel as well as ceramic coated which will bring increased rust resistance.
Zip Screws for Siding
Zips Screws for Siding
A remodeled home may be constructed of the best internal materials and have the safest and most up-to-date wiring and plumbing. But, if the exterior doesn’t look good, many possible consumers will routinely reject it. Amongst other factors, climate and environment can make siding replacement necessary over time. When deciding on siding, you may want to consider, “What are the ideal products for the job?” These products include the materials used in the zip screws used to install siding.
At All Points Fasteners, we have a wide selection of vinyl siding screws and other zip screws for drilling into vinyl siding. We’ll help you find the right screw type for your siding project to complete it efficiently and quickly.
What Are the Different Kinds of Siding?
The types of siding include:
- Vinyl.
- Wood.
- Asbestos.
- Asphalt.
- Aluminum.
- Hardboard.
There is no solitary siding option that suits all construction. The background of siding is lengthy, and products have become popular and then declined in favor.
Vinyl
The most prevalent variety today is vinyl, a plastic compound first found in 1872. It became commercially viable in the 1930s and was widely used in home construction after the 1960s. It has retained much of its popularity since that time, and vinyl for this function consumes a big percentage of production.
Many of the difficulties associated with vinyl have been overcome, allowing it to become the dominant material used today. It competes directly with aluminum. Vinyl siding these days generally covers up older products such as wood.
Wood
Wood was the predominant choice for years. When available, wood is attractive, occurs naturally, doesn’t require a chemical processing plant, and adds charm and warmth to a home. It is still a very popular form of siding, but environmental and manufacturing issues have made it less economically possible for many people. Wood must be repainted just about every few years, and damp climates can cause it to deteriorate over time.
Asbestos
Through the 1950s, many homeowners began to cover their home’s wooden exteriors with asbestos, prior to acknowledging asbestos’ inherent health hazards. This kind of siding was manufactured until the 1970s, and there are still homes with this form of material. Its main advantage was fire and insect resistance, but as soon as other products became obtainable, asbestos use was largely deserted.
Asphalt
Another economical siding alternative was asphalt. This low-cost building material was one of the least attractive options available and consisted of a base sheet covered with a thick, gooey black mixture that contains crushed rock. This material was very weather-resistant and could be disguised to look like other materials such as brick. After an initial boom during the post World War II years, the use of asphalt was eclipsed by aluminum.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding was also a post-war phenomenon of the second half of the 20th century. It is lightweight, relatively easy to install, and covers worn and unattractive older exteriors with a minimum of effort. Aluminum rarely needs repainting, won’t rust, and in general, has been considered a much more viable and permanent solution to external home needs.
The biggest disadvantage of aluminum is production. Creating aluminum from bauxite is energy-intensive and can be environmentally degrading. This metal is easily dented and won’t bounce back into shape.
Hardboard
Hardboard, a material composite of wood chips and epoxy resin, was touted as a substitute, but there were really serious moisture retention issues. Because of those issues, vinyl regained the lead in siding popularity.
What Are the Benefits of Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl has been the popular siding choice for years because of its many benefits. The advantages of vinyl siding material include:
- Cannot dent.
- Moisture-resistant.
- Won’t snap in subzero temperatures.
- Doesn’t need grounding.
- Won’t erode.
- Cost-effective during construction.
How Do I Decide Which Siding to Use?
Deciding on the correct material for siding installation means finding the right material appropriate to the style of construction (zip screws or tek screws, which are self-tapping, included) and overall budget. For example, using vinyl to cover the exterior of a stately Victorian home would be a mismatch and simply not look right. On the other hand, using expensive wood siding on a tract home may not be the most practical solution, either.
A very good idea is to gather samples before deciding on alternative material and look at other homes in the neighborhood to see what has worked best. Once the choices are narrowed, then it is time to start working out the details of construction with the contractor of your choice.
What Are Zip Screws and Why Should I Use Them for Siding?
Zip screws are fasteners with a threaded design and fine point that can pierce through hard materials, like siding, and create their own hole. Its penetration capability comes from its threading, which extends to the pointed end. After the first penetration, a second thread catches the material for quicker fastening. Zip screws are made with a heat-treating process for long-lasting strength.
At All Points Fasteners, many of our zip screw options have a hex head. Compared to other head styles, the hex head is more secure during and after installation. They are available with zinc plating, ceramic coating (for additional corrosion resistance) and stainless steel with ceramic coating. All these are also available with painted heads to match your siding. With all these options available, you are sure to find the right zip screw for your project.
Contact All Points Fasteners About Screws for Vinyl Siding Today
If you need siding screws for vinyl, come to All Points Fasteners. We have the hardware you need to get the job done and help your siding last for years. Our large selection is sure to have what you need.
For answers to your questions about zip screws for siding, contact our team by completing our online contact form or calling 800.483.6354.