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:

1.  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.
2.  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.
3.  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.
4.  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.
5.  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.
6.  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.
7. Stitching screws – as the name suggests, use these screws to stitch cladding panels.
8.  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.
9. 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.
10. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

   Click for:
   • Self-Tapping Tek Data Chart and more detailed information for technical data on self-tapping self drilling screws, which includes the dimensions on shank sizes.

    

3. How long is the screw?  Very important.  You would measure from underneath the head to the tip of the screw.
4. 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?
5. 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?
6. 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!