Self-Tapping Screws
Designed for materials where pre-tapped holes aren't practical. The hardened thread profile cuts a mating thread in light-gauge metal, plastic or wood as the screw is driven, creating a tight, vibration-resistant joint.
They cut their own thread — and hold it.
What this family is built for
Self-tapping screws divide into thread-cutting and thread-forming types, and the difference decides whether a joint survives. A Type AB sharp point cuts a clean thread in sheet metal and is the right answer where swarf can escape. A Type 17 point with its chip-clearing slot suits timber and composite panels. In plastics, a High-Low profile is preferred: the tall thread carries the load while the low thread keeps the boss from cracking.
Because there is no drill point, the installer controls the hole. That is an advantage in assembly work — the pilot can be punched, laser-cut or moulded in — and it is why self-tapping screws remain the default for enclosure, HVAC and signage production where the hole pattern is already in the part before the fastener arrives.
- Sheet metal fabrication
- HVAC ducting
- Electrical enclosures
- Signage
- Plastic enclosures
- General assembly
Specification at a glance
| Material | SAE 1022 carbon steel; 304 / 316 stainless |
|---|---|
| Standards | DIN 7981 / 7982 / 7983, ISO 1481 / 1482 |
| Diameter | 2.9 – 6.3 mm |
| Length | 9.5 – 80 mm |
| Head | Pan, truss, countersunk, modified truss, button |
| Drive | Phillips, Pozi, Torx, hex socket |
| Point | Type AB sharp point or Type 17 sharp point |
| Finish | White zinc, yellow zinc, black phosphate, plain |
Variants in this family
5 production lines you can order today
Each variant below is a distinct production specification, not a repackaged version of the same screw.
High-Low Thread Countersunk Tapping Screw
Alternating high and low thread profile in a countersunk head — superior holding in plastic and softer substrates.
Pan Framing Head Phillips Self-Tapping Screw
Pan framing head, Phillips drive. Slim profile for sheet metal framing and electrical box assembly.
Truss Head Self-Tapping Screw
Wide low-profile truss head distributes load. Common in HVAC, electrical enclosures and signage.
Truss Head Self-Tapping Screw, Color Head
Color-coated truss head — for visible installations where finish color matters.
Window Tapping Screw, Yellow Zinc
Engineered for aluminum window-frame assembly. Yellow zinc finish for corrosion resistance and visual differentiation.
Where these screws work
Industries that specify self-tapping screws
If your application isn't listed, send it to us — our engineering team will help you select or design the right SKU.
Technical guides
Before you specify
DIN 7504, 7505 and 7981: A Practical Standards Guide
What each standard actually fixes, where ISO and ASTM overlap, and why 'DIN equivalent' is not the same as DIN.
Screw Head and Drive Reference for Specifiers
Nine head forms and six drive types, what each is actually for, and how to pick without guessing.
Ready to specify self-tapping screws?
Send your sizes, finishes, packaging requirements and target volume. We respond with pricing and lead-time within 24 hours.