Self-drilling screws, also known as self-drilling or Tek screws, are a type of fastener that combines the functions of drilling and fastening into a single step. These screws are designed to create their own pilot holes as they are driven into a material, making them particularly useful for attaching materials together without the need for pre-drilled holes.
The process of using self-drilling screws is straightforward:
- The screw is placed on the surface of the material to be attached.
- Pressure is applied while turning the screw clockwise using a power drill or screwdriver.
- As the screw turns, the drill point cuts through the material, creating a hole for the screw to advance.
- The screw then threads into the newly formed hole, securing the materials together.
They are often used in metal-to-metal or metal-to-wood connections and are especially popular in construction, manufacturing and DIY projects.