What’s the Difference Between Self-Drilling and Self-Tapping?

Self-tapping and self-drilling screws are two types of screws used in metal building and general construction, as well as many other applications and industries. Contrary to popular belief, the two terms are not interchangeable. Often, our customers ask for self-tapping screws when they actually want self-drilling screws, or vice versa. Let’s go over the similarities, differences, and how to know when to use which type of screw.

Self-Tapping Screws

As the name suggests, self-tapping screws are screws that have the ability to tap threads into the material. Self-tapping screws are used for all sorts of material including wood, metal, and brick. These screws cannot drill through metal and require a pilot hole to be pre-drilled before installation. A pilot hole is created by using a drill bit which is slightly smaller than the screw and the threads of the screw tap the metal or wood while the screw is being installed. This tapping action keeps the material fastened together. There are many different types of points that a self-tapping screw can have that assist in the tapping of threads into various substrates.

Self-Drilling Screws

Self-drilling screws are sometimes known by the brand name, Tek® Screws. These screws can be identified by the drill bit shaped point of the screw and are designed for a variety of applications such as fastening metal to metal and metal to wood. Self-drilling screws do not require a pilot hole, which accelerates installation time and lowers the cost and need of additional drill bits. This extra functionality and cost saving feature makes self-drilling screws the clear choice for metal building construction. The drill points are numbers #1 through #5 and the amount of steel they can drill through increases as the numbered point increases.  Typically, self-drilling screws are used in light gauge applications but a #5 drill point can drill through and fasten up 1/2" of steel. During installation, self-drilling screws will also tap threads to a degree.

Bottom Line

In short, and this is where the confusion lies, all self-drilling screws are also self-tapping screws, but all self-tappers are not self-drillers. Self-drilling screws eliminate the need for a pilot hole, but can tap as well. Self-tapping screws tap their own threads, but cannot drill through metal and require a pilot hole. These screws are not interchangeable, and mixing up the two can cause many headaches or possible failures in the field.