Self-Drilling Points (Tek Screws)

The point is where the fastener meets the material. The right point type determines whether you need pilot holes, how the fastener engages, and what materials it can penetrate. This guide covers every point style from self-drilling to set screw points.

Self-Drilling Points (Tek Screws)

Self-drilling screws have a drill bit integrated into the tip, eliminating the need for pre-drilling. The drill point number indicates the thickness of steel it can penetrate.

Drill Point Capacity Chart

#1 Drill Point

Profile: Short drill flutes, small point.

Description: Smallest self-drilling point for thin gauge sheet metal. Quick penetration in light materials.

When to Use:

• HVAC ductwork
• Light gauge metal studs
• Thin panels and trim

Advantages:

• Fast in thin materials
• Minimal drilling time
• Less heat generation

Disadvantages:

• Cannot penetrate heavy gauge
• May spin on thicker materials

#2 Drill Point

Profile: Medium drill flutes, moderate point length.

Description: Most common self-drilling point. Balances speed and penetration for standard construction applications.

When to Use:

• Metal building construction
• Standard steel studs
• General sheet metal work

Advantages:

• Versatile capacity
• Widely available
• Good balance of speed and strength

Disadvantages:

• Overkill for thin materials
• Not enough for structural steel

#3, #4, #5 Drill Points

Profile: Progressively longer drill flutes and larger points.

Description: Heavy-duty self-drilling points for thick steel. Longer drilling time but penetrates structural materials.

When to Use:

• #3: Heavy gauge steel framing
• #4: Purlins to structural steel
• #5: Thick plate connections

Advantages:

• Penetrates thick steel without pre-drilling
• Saves significant labor on structural work
• Proper thread engagement in thick materials

Disadvantages:

• Longer drilling time
• More heat generation
• Requires higher torque drivers

Self-Tapping Points (Thread-Forming)

Self-tapping screws create threads in pre-drilled or punched holes. They don't drill their own hole but form or cut threads as they're driven.

Type A Point

Profile:

Description: Sharp gimlet point with coarse, widely-spaced threads. Designed for thin sheet metal (0.015"–0.050") and resinous plywood.

Thread Characteristics: Coarse pitch, threads extend to point.

When to Use:

• Thin sheet metal (20 gauge and thinner)
• Resinous plywood
• Pre-punched holes in thin material

Advantages:

• Fast thread engagement
• Works in thin materials
• Good holding in soft substrates

Disadvantages:

• Requires pilot hole
• Not for thick materials
• Coarse threads may split thin wood

Type AB Point

Profile: Similar to Type A but with finer thread pitch.

Description: Combination of Type A and Type B—gimlet point with thread pitch between the two. Versatile for various thin materials.

Thread Characteristics: Medium pitch, threads to point.

When to Use:

• Sheet metal
• Non-ferrous castings
• Plastics
• General thin material fastening

Advantages:

• More versatile than Type A
• Better thread engagement than Type A in some materials
• Good for plastics

Disadvantages:

• Still requires pilot hole
• Superseded by Type B in many applications

Type B Point

Profile:

Description: Blunt point with finer threads than Type A. Standard for sheet metal 0.050"–0.200" and non-ferrous castings.

Thread Characteristics: Finer pitch than A/AB, threads close to point but not at tip.

When to Use:

• Standard sheet metal
• Aluminum and zinc castings
• Plastics
• Heavier gauge materials

Advantages:

• Fine threads provide better holding
• Blunt point less likely to damage thin materials
• Standard for most sheet metal screws

Disadvantages:

• Requires properly sized pilot hole
• Slower than Type A in thin materials

Type 17 Point (Auger Point)

Profile:

Description: Sharp point with a small cutting notch (flute) at the tip. Designed specifically for wood—the flute clears chips and prevents splitting.

When to Use:

• Deck screws
• Structural wood screws
• Timber fastening
• Hardwood applications

Advantages:

• Self-starting in wood (no pilot needed in softwood)
• Cutting flute reduces splitting
• Fast penetration
• Clean hole with good thread engagement

Disadvantages:

• Only for wood and wood products
• Not for metal or plastic

Set Screw Points

Set screws secure components to shafts, typically by pressing directly against the shaft or fitting into a machined dimple. The point style determines holding power and whether it damages the shaft.

Cup Point

Profile:

Description: Concave (cup-shaped) end that digs into the shaft material. Provides highest holding power of standard set screw points.

When to Use:

• Permanent installations
• Maximum holding power needed
• Where shaft damage is acceptable
• Collars, pulleys, gears

Advantages:

• Highest holding power
• Sharp edges bite into shaft
• Good for vibration resistance
• Standard point for most applications

Disadvantages:

• Damages shaft (can't reposition easily)
• May require shaft dimple for heavy loads

Cone Point

Profile:

Description: Sharp cone that centers itself in a pre-drilled dimple. Used for precise positioning and permanent mounting.

When to Use:

• Precision positioning
• Locating in pre-drilled holes
• Where centering is critical
• Permanent installations

Advantages:

• Self-centering in dimples
• Very high holding power when matched to dimple
• Prevents lateral movement

Disadvantages:

• Requires matching dimple for best performance
• Severely damages shaft
• Difficult to reposition

Flat Point

Profile:

Description: Flat, smooth end that presses against shaft without penetrating. Spreads load, minimizes damage.

When to Use:

• Adjustable assemblies
• When shaft must not be marred
• Hollow shafts
• Soft shaft materials
• Frequent adjustment applications

Advantages:

• Won't damage shaft
• Easy repositioning
• Good for hollow or thin-wall shafts
• Spreads clamping pressure

Disadvantages:

• Lowest holding power
• More prone to loosening
• May require thread locker

Oval Point

Profile:

Description: Slightly rounded end that pivots against shaft. Used when slight angular movement is needed.

When to Use:

• Pivot points
• Adjusting screws
• Where slight movement is acceptable
• Instrument adjustment

Advantages:

• Allows limited pivoting
• Less shaft damage than cup/cone
• Good for adjustment mechanisms

Disadvantages:

• Lower holding power than cup
• Limited applications

Half Dog Point

Profile:

Description: Cylindrical pilot extension that fits into a pre-machined keyway or groove. Provides positive location and shear strength.

When to Use:

• Keyed assemblies
• When shear loads must be carried
• Precise shaft positioning
• Machine components

Advantages:

• Positive mechanical engagement
• Carries shear loads
• Prevents rotation
• Precise positioning

Disadvantages:

• Requires matching hole/keyway
• More expensive
• Specific sizing required

Knurled Cup Point

Profile:

Description: Cup point with aggressive knurled (cross-hatched) surface. Maximum bite for vibration-prone applications.

When to Use:

• High-vibration environments
• When loosening is unacceptable
• Hardened shafts
• Permanent installations

Advantages:

• Maximum holding in vibration
• Aggressive bite pattern
• Better than standard cup in difficult conditions

Disadvantages:

• Severely damages shaft
• Essentially permanent installation
• Higher cost

Other Point Types

Gimlet Point

Profile:

Description: Sharp, threaded point that helps self-start in soft materials. Common on lag screws and wood screws.

When to Use:

• Lag screws
• Large wood screws
• Starting in softwood
• Timber construction

Advantages:

• Self-starting capability
• Good penetration in wood
• Traditional point for lag screws

Disadvantages:

• Pilot hole recommended for hardwood
• Only for wood and soft materials

Sharp Point

Profile: Very sharp, needle-like tip.

Description: Generic sharp point for general fastening. Penetrates soft materials easily.

When to Use:

• Drywall screws
• General purpose screws
• Soft materials

Advantages:

• Easy penetration
• Fast starting
• Low cost

Disadvantages:

• No drilling capability
• May cause splitting

Needle Point

Profile: Extra-fine sharp point, sharper than standard sharp.

Description: Ultra-sharp point for fine work and delicate materials.

When to Use:

• Fine woodworking
• Upholstery
• Delicate assemblies

Advantages:

• Minimal material displacement
• Very easy starting
• Reduced splitting

Disadvantages:

• Point can bend or break
• Not for hard materials

Pilot Point

Profile: Small unthreaded section before threads begin.

Description: Short unthreaded pilot section helps align screw before threads engage. Reduces walking and improves accuracy.

When to Use:

• Precision assembly
• When alignment is critical
• Multi-piece assemblies

Advantages:

• Better alignment
• Reduced walking
• Cleaner thread engagement

Disadvantages:

• Slightly longer overall
• May require matching pilot hole

Point Selection Quick Reference

Need help selecting the right point type for your application? Contact our technical team for recommendations.