Self-Tapping Screws

Self-tapping screws cut or form their own mating threads as they are driven, eliminating the need for a separate tapping operation. They fasten sheet metal, plastic, castings, and thin-gauge materials quickly and economically. We stock the full range of thread types, head styles, points, and materials for sheet metal and general assembly.

Thread Types

Type A: coarse, widely spaced threads with a gimlet point, for thin sheet metal and wood. Type B: finer thread with a blunt point, for heavier sheet metal and non-ferrous castings. Type AB: combines the Type A point with the Type B thread for versatile performance. Type 25 and Type F: thread-cutting variants for plastics and thicker materials.

Head Styles and Drives

Available in pan, flat (countersunk), oval, hex washer, and truss heads, in Phillips, slotted, combination, and hex drives. Hex washer head screws are common in HVAC and metal building work, where a nut driver provides high torque without cam-out.

Materials and Finishes

Case-hardened steel with zinc plating: the standard, combining a hard threading surface with a tough core. 410 stainless: hardenable stainless that retains thread-cutting ability with corrosion resistance. 18-8 stainless: maximum corrosion resistance for lighter-duty threading. Ruspert and other coatings are available for extended outdoor durability.

Dimensional Standards

Inch tapping screws conform to ASME B18.6.4, sized by gauge and thread type. Metric versions follow DIN 7981 (pan Phillips), DIN 7982 (countersunk), and DIN 7976 (hex head).

Selecting the Right Self-Tapping Screw

Match the thread type to your material—Type A or AB for thin sheet, Type B for heavier gauge, thread-cutting types for plastic. Drill the correct pilot hole size for the screw and material thickness; too small risks breakage, too large reduces holding power. Choose a hardened or stainless screw harder than the material being threaded, and select head style for your flush or surface-mount requirements.

Use the filters to narrow by size, length, thread type, head style, and material.