Self-Drilling Screws

What is a Self-Drilling Screw?

A self-drilling screw (also widely known in the industry as a TEKS® screw) is a highly efficient, specialized fastener engineered specifically for use in soft steel, aluminum, and other sheet metals. Manufactured from heavy-duty, industrial-grade materials, these unique fasteners feature an integrated drill bit point that actively cuts its own hole as the screw is driven, entirely eliminating the need to pre-drill pilot holes. This allows for significantly faster, more streamlined assembly in metal fabrication and commercial construction.

Drill Point Sizing and Capabilities

To accommodate various metal thicknesses and structural requirements, self-drilling screws are classified by a specific point numbering system to ensure optimal performance:

• Numbered Point System: The drill bit points of self-drilling screws are strictly numbered from 1 through 5. The larger the point number, the longer the drilling flute, allowing it to easily pierce through thicker and denser metals.
• Maximum Penetration: When utilizing a maximum #5 drill point, these exceptional fasteners are capable of penetrating thick metal substrates up to 0.5 inches (13mm) thick—all without ever requiring a separate pilot hole.
• Streamlined Installation: By perfectly combining the drilling, tapping, and fastening processes into a single, smooth operation, they heavily reduce installation time, labor costs, and the tedious need for constantly changing out drill bits on the job site.

Request a Quote Today

Have a question about our manufactured self-drilling screws or need help selecting the correct TEKS® point number for your specific metal thickness? Contact our team by using our secure online form to submit your project details. You can also give us a call today to speak directly with our fastener specialists. We look forward to speaking with you!