For most of the jobs out there, be it DIY or professional, screws are more than likely going to be involved. That’s because they are the most versatile, reliable fasteners out there, providing stability to the aforementioned projects. Self-tapping screws will end up being the best fastener for so many of your regular projects.
For Plastic
The cool thing about self-tapping screws is that they can be used in applications that have materials other than wood or metal. For instance, you can use self-tapping screws when working with plastics, which tend to be a lot more ridged than something like wood. When dealing with plastic, self-tapping screws can become your best friend.
Plastic can be quite prone to cracking, especially if you don’t have the right screw type. That said, even with self-tapping screws you would be better served to drill a pilot hole in plastic surfaces. It is a safe measure to prevent the plastic from cracking and splitting and makes it easier to install the self-tapping screws. Depending on the application, you might have to ensure that you don’t drill through the plastic all the way through.
For Aluminum
Maybe the most common use of self-tapping screws is with aluminum surfaces. Having a self-tapping screw with sharp cutting threads will keep the aluminum from denting and will go smoothly into the material as well. Just make sure that you don’t tilt the screw because it can make the process a lot tougher.
When it comes to aluminum, there is no need for a pilot hole. Even better, you can remove the screws without doing any damage to the aluminum itself. For faster installations, self-tapping screws are a must when working with aluminum. Self-tapping screws are also great where vibration is common because they won’t fall out as something like nails might.
For Fiberglass
Fiberglass is made up of glass fibers that have ultimately been embedded in a resin. That combination of resin and glass fibers can create a material that is very strong and durable in the long term. Fiberglass can prove a versatile material, but you just need to be careful when using self-tapping screws.
The self-tapping screws will start to dull out quickly when coming into contact with the fibers from the glass. This ultimately leads to those fibers cracking. You need to implement proper techniques when doing any kind of fiberglass installation, so don’t just start drilling into it assuming that self-tapping screws will do the job. The last thing you need is to unnecessarily damage your project when a little bit of caution and understanding could have done a lot.
For UPVC Window Screws
For some windows, particularly those made of UPVC, you will find self-tapping screws used. The cool thing about this specific kind of self-tapping screw is that they come in a huge array of lengths and diameters. For the most part, however, you’re going to find the 4.8mm gauge as the most common one.
If you are looking for a tighter fit, go with a self-tapping screw that has extra thickness added. This will allow the screw to properly bite into the material, creating a more stable connection. Self-tapping screws have even more uses, so make sure that you have at least a handful of them in your toolbox at all times. They’re pretty cheap and cost effective, not to mention the fact that they will definitely come in handy sooner rather than later.
Last Updated on 1 year by Lavania Oluban