Call us today! 800.483.6354
Call us today! 800.483.6354
Tek screws are an invaluable tool to have at any job site. They work well for a variety of applications and can greatly reduce the amount of time you spend drilling screws. However, not all Tek screws are built the same. They are differentiated by a number, such as #4 and #5.
We’ll explain what these numbers mean and the best occasions and installation methods for Tek 4 and Tek 5 screws. All Points Fasteners has the domestic quality screws and fasteners you need for all of your projects at imported prices.
Tek screws, also called self-drilling screws, are self-tapping in the same way as a sheet metal screw. The difference is that it has a drill-shaped point that can cut through the material, eliminating the need for drilling a pilot hole. Tek screws are made with hard metals like stainless steel and can drill into soft steel or metals where the drill point is harder than the metal it’s drilling into.
Self-drilling screws have drill bit tips which are numbered from #1 up to #5, indicating the length of the flute. The flute is the part of the Tek screw that determines the metal thickness the screw can drill into. That means the bigger the number, the thicker the metal it can go through without a pilot hole. The capacities of Tek 4 and Tek 5 screws are:
Tek 5 and Tek 4 screws work well for a variety of applications that are metal to metal or wood to metal, like:
For all of these uses, Tek screws will provide a secure grip. Tek 4 and Tek 5 screws are also a good choice for products that you may be taking apart for maintenance or rebuilding regularly, such as air conditioning units and canopies.
Tek screws are useful for many trades because of all the heads available. The most popular heads include:
Contractors sometimes question the quality of their Tek screws when the fasteners break. However, it is not a poor quality that causes the break. The reason for the screws snapping is that they are being used in an application they were not designed for. The screw may snap off, or the shank may twist and break when the screw is drilled into steel too thick for it to manage.
Here is an example that illustrates a simple reason for heads of Tek screws snapping. In this example, we will refer to the 12-24X7/8 Hex Washer Head Self Drilling Screws (Tek Screw ). The numbers in this name indicate:
With a common Tek screw, the front of the screw will be drilling in slower while making the pilot hole than when the threads of the Tek screw catch the material. Once the threads catch, the fastener will turn as fast as the TPI. In other words, if the fastener is 16 TPI, the screw will go in the material 1/16 inch each time it turns.
This is where you may run into a problem. If it is a thick piece of metal, the threads will catch before the drill bit is done drilling through the metal. This will cause the front of the screw to move slower than the back of the fastener, and the screw will break.
For this example, there is a simple solution to prevent the screw from snapping. By making the drill bit of the screw extend longer up the shank of the fastener and changing the threads per inch to a finer thread than 24 threads per inch, the front and the back of the fasteners will move at the same time, and the screws won’t break.
All Points Fasteners is your one-stop shop for Tek screws and other quality fasteners. Whether you are a contractor for HVAC, roofing or another job, we have just what you need to get the job done right the first time. We have a large selection of screws available, so you can find what you need with ease. If we don’t have what you are looking for, we will get it for you, no matter how uncommon it is.
At All Points Fasteners, we offer more than high-quality products — we provide helpful customer service. When you come to us with your fastener needs, we will do our best to give you the right answer.
If you are looking for technical data for Tek 4 or Tek 5 screws, our experts have it covered. We are happy to answer all of your questions about Tek screws. Get in touch with us today by filling out the contact form on our website or calling 800-483-6354.
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.
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