How to screw a long self-tapping screw into a tree. Why drill holes for self-tapping screws or how easy it is to screw in a self-tapping screw. An example of tightening self-tapping screws for hanging a shelf on the wall

Today it is impossible to do without fasteners in construction. They allow you to connect different building materials, hang objects, strengthen certain structures, and so on. One of the most common fasteners is a self-tapping screw. This product has an external thread and head. The thread is relatively sharp, so it can cut itself in some materials internal thread. This article will discuss how to screw a self-tapping screw into the most different materials. But first, let's deal with the classification of these products.

Classification

This fastener is available in various materials such as brass, stainless steel and carbon steel. Also, self-tapping screws have different coatings, such as:

• galvanized (yellow);
• oxidized black;
• phosphated black;
• without cover.

They differ in the type of head:

• semi-cylindrical;
• secret;
• hexagonal;
• hemispherical.

The use of one or another self-tapping screw depends on the density of the material that you plan to mount. Therefore, before buying this product, you need to decide on the following:

1. Connection operating conditions.
2. Is it necessary to drill a hole before screwing?
3. What material should it be wrapped in?
4. What material will be attached.

Based on this, you make the appropriate choice, whether it will be a self-tapping screw for metal, wood or concrete.

The main difference between self-tapping screws for wood is a rare carving, unlike their counterparts designed for metal. Such fasteners can be black, gold and white color. So, if it is necessary to fasten a golden loop on the door, then a golden self-tapping screw is selected accordingly. In most cases, the choice falls on a black screw.

As already mentioned, the thread on such a self-tapping screw has a frequent pitch. This is due to the fact that the metal is a fairly hard material, so the clutch must be made strong. Moreover, some metals should not be pre-drilled, for example, tin. As for thicker metals, you will need to make a hole.

Such self-tapping screws are used for fastening roofing sheet material. It must be equipped with a rubber seal. As a result, the connection, in addition to strength, becomes airtight.

This type of self-tapping screw requires pre-drilling a hole in furniture blank. A hex wrench is used to tighten it.

These are perhaps the most common types of screws that are used in different areas construction. Let's look at the details of how to screw one or another self-tapping screw into different surfaces.

When finishing the ceiling and walls, drywall is often used. And given that this material is relatively fragile, it is important to be careful when screwing a self-tapping screw into it. So, to screw a self-tapping screw into drywall, you need a screwdriver with a nozzle or a Phillips screwdriver.

Much depends on the purpose for which the self-tapping screw will be screwed into the drywall. For example, if you need to hang a small object, then you must first insert a special dowel, which, when tightening the screws, forms a secure fastening. If it is necessary to screw the self-tapping screw directly into the drywall, for example, fixing it to the profile, then the technology is as follows:

• Mark up on drywall. Depending on the possible load the step between fasteners can be from 20 to 70 cm.
• Next, put a self-tapping screw on a screwdriver or screwdriver nozzle and attach it to the point.
• Then you start spinning it. If you use a screwdriver, then you should not turn on high speeds. Otherwise, there is a risk to scroll the screw and it will not hold anything. This also applies to the performance of the work with a screwdriver. Don't pressure her. The self-tapping screw has a thread that will allow without special efforts screw it into drywall.
• It is very important to tighten the screw so as not to break through upper layer cardboard. For example, if you attach drywall to a profile, then a self-tapping screw can simply fall into cardboard with great effort. So, the head of the self-tapping screw should slightly press the top layer of cardboard. But don't leave it unfinished. Otherwise, when puttying, you will have difficulties.

The diagram shows correct and incorrect twisting:

After tightening, the fastener head should be 1 mm below the general surface level. This will ensure sufficient tension.

What if you failed to successfully tighten the self-tapping screw and it broke through the cardboard? In this case, unscrew it back, putty the hole, and screw in a new self-tapping screw at a distance of 50–80 mm.

As for the type of self-tapping screw, its choice depends on the material used for the crate, whether it is wood or metal. As for the length, it is enough that it enters the profile up to 10 mm.

As for screwing a self-tapping screw into metal, fasteners are used here only for metal. The twisting method depends on the thickness of the workpiece. If this is a thin tin, then often you can twist it without much effort with a screwdriver or screwdriver. Moreover, there are different types self-tapping screws. Some have a small bit with sharpened teeth on the point, as shown in the picture.

But as practice shows, not all such self-tapping screws can be screwed into metal, this is explained by the weak sharpening of the drill. So, a screwdriver is used to twist them. You should not gain high speed, otherwise the self-tapping screw may overheat and quickly become dull. Such fasteners can be used for metal up to 7 mm thick.

If the metal is too thick, then the best option there will be a preliminary drilling of the hole with a drill / drill, and after screwing the fasteners into it. This method is not associated with any problems.

When making a hole, remember that it should be smaller in diameter than a self-tapping screw. When the hole is ready, it can be lubricated with machine oil. This will allow you to tighten the screw without much difficulty.

The self-tapping screw used for metal must be made of solid steel, which is harder than the product.

As for the tree, everything is very simple here. The only restrictions may be imposed by the type of wood used. If it is soft, then pre-drilling the hole is not necessary. If the workpiece is made of chipboard or fiberboard, then it is better to drill a hole. Moreover, it is recommended to drill a hole in cases where it is necessary to tighten a long wood screw. This applies even to soft wood.

When making a hole, its diameter must be smaller than that of a self-tapping screw. This will ensure that the workpieces are securely fastened.

In addition, a hole should also be made in cases where the wood blank is relatively thin and there is a risk of splitting it. When screwing a self-tapping screw into such parts, you need to be careful.

When twisting, the hat should sink into the wood. If this is a finishing floor, then all holes must be covered with wood putty.

If we talk about concrete, then this is certainly a solid material, and for screwing a self-tapping screw into it, you can’t do without an impact drill or puncher. It is worth noting that in this case, for tightening, the self-tapping screw can be combined with a plastic plug from the dowel. The work of screwing a self-tapping screw into concrete looks like this:

1. Drill a hole to the required depth in the wall. The diameter of the hole must match the diameter of the plastic plug.
2. Next, remove the dust from the hole.
3. After inserting a plastic cork into it.
4. Finally, use a screwdriver or screwdriver to tighten the self-tapping screw.

If the walls are plastered, then you can try to tighten the self-tapping screw without making a hole. You will definitely succeed in doing this if the plaster is not too hard, especially if it is made on the basis of clay. This will require a wood screw with a rare pitch of turns.

So, we discussed with you the technology of how to properly screw a self-tapping screw into different materials. If you know of other methods, then be sure to write to us about it in the comments to this article.

Video

You can visually familiarize yourself with the method of screwing a self-tapping screw into metal from the video we proposed:

This video shows the original method of how to tighten a self-tapping screw without a tool:

In production, quite often one has to deal with work that requires the fixation of certain parts made of wood. Of course, the most common connection methods are those that do not require pre-drilling. However, not all so simple. If you use long self-tapping screws, their installation does not always go smoothly. Especially when it comes to hardwood, such as oak, beech or even birch. In today's article, we will consider the easiest way to screw in long self-tapping screws without drilling.

Read in the article

Existing ways to do this kind of work

When screwing a long self-tapping screw into wood, the hat often breaks off. The slots on the bit or may also break off. Many will say that it is easier to pre-drill a hole for a screw, but this option is not always available. Often, a drill of the required length and diameter is not at hand. And here the tricks of home masters come to the rescue, helping to cope with a similar problem.

Option #1: Using Engine Oil

This method has the right to exist, but only in part. The fact is that ordinary oil will not solve the problem. The only thing that can help with this approach is grease or lithol. And then, provided that the place of attachment is hidden. The fact is that even if the cap is thoroughly wiped after screwing in, over time, around the self-tapping screw inside, the wood will begin to char, darken, as it were, and the lubricant will begin to seep out. This will cause the paint to swell where the screw is located. When pasting, this place may darken, and the lubricant will come out.

Option number 2: soap to help the master

Nice way to help. You just need to rub the thread with soap or dip in a thick soapy solution. After this procedure, the self-tapping screw will go in much easier. But here, too, there was a problem.

The composition of the soap includes caustic (especially a lot of it in the household), which reacts with alloyed steel, contributing to the development of corrosion. Of course, this process is not fast, but in a few years it will do its job. In any case, if the self-tapping screw is wrapped “dry”, after 2-3 years it can be easily unscrewed, but when installing using soap, this will already be problematic. Therefore, such a method should be used with caution, after thinking carefully.

The best way to screw in a long self-tapping screw

So we got to the main point of today's article. There is a simple and safe way for wood and hardware to screw in long self-tapping screws without drilling. In fact, it can be compared with the previous one, but instead of soap, an ordinary paraffin candle is used here. Of course, they are rarely used these days, but for those who lived under the Soviets, when long power outages were not uncommon, they are still in the closets. Although, even cake candles are suitable.

Before you start screwing the hardware, its threads are generously rubbed with paraffin. When screwing, under the influence of friction force, the self-tapping screw and the wood are heated, which leads to the melting of paraffin. It melts and impregnates the wood around the screw. As a result, in addition to the fact that it becomes much easier to screw in a self-tapping screw, both wood and hardware threads are protected. Therefore, no matter how much time has passed, it can be easily turned out to replace the board or disassemble the structure.

Article

If you have to pull one structural element to another with a screw, you should make a screw thread in the first of them. The second will contain the smooth part of the screw, which is located immediately under the cap. The smooth part must necessarily enter the body of the attracted fragment. Otherwise, you will not get a rigid grip of the planes due to the gap formed between them.

Countersinking is done so that the blind cap does not protrude on the surface of the part or fragment. Sometimes masters neglect countersinks, believing that they can screw a screw into soft material so that its head goes deep into the surface and does not protrude. Of course, sometimes this is possible, and if desired, you can tighten any screw without making a countersink in advance. However, it is worth remembering that the wood fibers will be damaged by such an impact on them, as they will have to find a “way out” under pressure, and, consequently, their presentation will be lost.

Screw slots can be:

• straight,
• cruciform.

Some models of screws even have special plugs. They are put on a twisted head, visually hiding it. Models are presented on the head of which there is no slot at all. They have to be tightened with a head or a wrench.

Stages of work on fasteners

Screw manufacturers are not always responsible for their products. There are screws on sale, in the caps of which the screwdriver is not inserted at all, for the reason that the slot is made shallow, or there are burrs in it. It's better to throw them away. When purchasing good screws, follow some rules to tighten them reliably and efficiently:

• drill a hole in the first part;
• make sure that the diameter of the hole is equal to the diameter of the screw (including its smooth part and thread);
• insert the screw into the hole without force;
• drill a hole in the second part;
• check that its diameter matches the diameter of the screw, but without taking into account the thread, because the screw must enter here with force;
• countersink the hole in the first piece.

If the craftsman has a special drill that helps combine the two steps (drilling and countersinking), the process is simplified and accelerated. Keep in mind that any special drill can only fit specific models of screws.

Countersinking

The screw will only drive into the second part if you approach the process scientifically, i.e. use special drills or do your work in stages. He will pass freely through the first part, and his hat will tightly pull one part to the second. If a small diameter screw is used, drilling is not required. You just need to apply force and make a hole with an awl.

Working with screws involves a number of subtleties. Sometimes you have to come up with a whole variety of tricks to tighten or unscrew the screw. For non-standard cases, these tricks have already been invented. For example, if you want to unscrew a screw that desperately "rests", use an adjustable wrench. This tool clamps the handle, if it has edges, as well as the upper part of the slot. With one hand, press on the screwdriver, with the other turn the adjustable wrench.

A hammer is also successfully used. The screwdriver is inserted into the slot, then it is necessary to lightly tap on its handle with a hammer while rotating the screwdriver, just tap, and not knock hard. Screws "with character" are turned out with a heated soldering iron, which is pressed against the cap. Such "torture" usually helps.

Without visible reasons Difficulties occur with twisting / unscrewing. It seems that the slot is not defective, and the screw is put in place, and the screwdriver is normal, but the process is not going on. Check if the working part of the screwdriver matches the slot of the screw. If the size does not match, the screwdriver will behave incorrectly, approximately like a foot in the wrong size shoe.

There are cases when the length of the screw is not enough to connect two fragments. In this case, a hole is drilled in the first of them, first equal to the diameter of the screw without thread, and then a second, blind hole is drilled in it, equal in diameter to the screw head. The screw and cap will partially go deep into the first fragment. The hole can be puttied so that it is not visible.

When tightening the screw with a screwdriver, choose a longer model. The farther the hand with the screwdriver is from the cap, the less the tilt of the axis will be. If you need to drive a screw into hard wood, be sure to drill a hole, and before screwing, rub it with soap or vegetable oil. To strengthen fasteners, many craftsmen use glue: they dip the screw into it, and only then screw it in. He enters the tree more easily, and then fastens "tightly".

This article is intended for those people who have very little knowledge in the use of construction tools.
We think a fairly large number of people begin their acquaintance with construction tools by buying, and only then they begin to figure out how to work with this tool. In addition, there will certainly be teenagers or women among the readers of this article who generally have no idea what a screwdriver is and what you can do with it. It is for them that we decided to write this article.

To begin with, in general terms, let's talk about what a screwdriver is. Firstly, they can be divided into two large classes: battery-powered and mains-operated. The effectiveness of these tools depends directly on the brand of the tool, but the battery ones do not depend on the presence of an outlet and the length of the wire.

For home master it is best to choose a cordless tool - it is more convenient and practical. Let's start with him.

Typically, cordless screwdrivers are sold in cases that, in addition to the tool itself, include a pair of batteries and a charger. When buying, it is best to immediately check the completeness of the tool and its performance in the store. It must be understood that the screwdriver is not charged from the factory, so when you bring it home, you must first charge the batteries using a charger.

After that, we insert one of the batteries into the tool and it is almost ready to work. To work, we still need to insert one more element into the cartridge - the necessary bit or drill. You can buy a set of bits and drills in the store, or you can purchase them separately, similarly for drills.

Modern screwdrivers, in addition to maybe low-power models, have the function of drilling and drilling with impact, so with their help you can also drill holes in metal and wood, as well as concrete and brick.

Before using a screwdriver, it is necessary to check the integrity of the tool. There should be no mechanical damage such as dents and cracks on the case and batteries. The instrument must not be used with such damage.

Drilling metal and wood with a screwdriver

In order to make a hole in metal or wood, it is necessary to put an appropriate drill in the chuck. For wood, if necessary, a drill for metal is also suitable. After that, you need to set desired mode- drilling. This is done using the rotary part of the tool, located immediately behind the screwdriver chuck. On the symbols located on the body of the screwdriver, find the image of the drill and align the turning part (arrow) with its image. In this case, the screwdriver will switch to the electric drill mode. This mode must be used with caution. The fact is that the tool turns off the so-called ratchet (protection of the engine from excessive force on the shaft). If the drill jams, the motor may burn out.

Next, we attach the drill to the drilling point and press the start button. During drilling, it is important to hold the screwdriver perpendicular to the drilling axis. Due to misalignment of the drill, especially in hard material, the drill may break off. We drill harder materials at low speeds, and soft materials, such as wood, at high speeds. By the way, if the screwdriver has a speed switch button (usually two speeds), then it is best to drill at the second speed. In the process of drilling, the pressing force is controlled independently. Unfortunately, it is difficult to explain this in words, so you can determine this parameter in the course of practice.

Drilling concrete and stone with a screwdriver

To drill holes in concrete and stone, we need a special drill with a pobedit tip. Usually everyone uses a drill with a diameter of 6 mm, which fits most plastic dowels for self-tapping screws. You should not take a thicker drill - it's just that the power of the screwdriver is not intended for this - a puncher is needed here.

Before drilling, we transfer the screwdriver to the drilling mode with a fight, similarly to that described above. To do this, we combine the guide arrow with the image of a drill from segments or a drill and a hammer (depending on the brand of the tool). As in the previous case, we hold the tool perpendicular to the drilling axis. It is not necessary to press the tool very hard during the drilling process, although it should be sufficient to gradually deepen the drill. We periodically loosen the pressure and even remove the drill from the hole to remove drilling products (dust).

Tightening screws, self-tapping screws and bolts with a screwdriver

And finally, we come to the main purpose of screwdrivers - screwdriving (from which its name follows). Each screwdriver (on the turning part) has a number of numbers around the circumference: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. They denote the tightening moment in newtons. The thicker the screw or self-tapping screw and the harder the material in which it is wrapped, this figure should be larger. To screw, for example, roofing self-tapping screws into metal, a force of 12–14 N is usually sufficient.

For screwing standard self-tapping screws into wood, 8 N is enough. Again, this force is selected individually for each type of screw and base material. It is better to start tightening a new type of self-tapping screws to set the value of the force to a smaller value, then you can add force and tighten it. But if you immediately put a lot of effort, then you can twist the screw, which will lead to breaking off the head of the screw, or twisting (the screw or screw will push through the material to be fixed).

Depending on the head of the self-tapping screw or screw, you will need a variety of bits. For standard PZ2 bit screws, for small PZ1 bit screws, but for roofing screws, an 8 mm head. Also, with the help of a screwdriver it is very convenient to assemble cabinet furniture. If you have a bit for confirmation (Euroscrew), then the furniture assembly speed will increase several times. In addition, it will do without mazols on the fingers from twisting by hand a large number confirmations.

The mode of driving self-tapping screws and screws has one very good property. If the base material is too hard and the screw jams during tightening, the so-called ratchet will work. A special mechanism will stop the transmission of rotation from the engine to the bit, which will prevent damage to it. All this is accompanied by a characteristic crack. You shouldn't be afraid of him.

By the way, in the twisting mode, you can easily drill a tree without changing the mode, the drill passes quite easily. If the force on the tool is not enough to drive the self-tapping screw into a hard material, experienced craftsmen switch the screwdriver to drilling mode and tighten the self-tapping screw. But we do not recommend doing this, since you can simply burn out the electric motor without the necessary experience.

During tightening, it is necessary to press the bit against the head of the screw with sufficient force so that the bit does not slip. If edge slippage occurs, the bits stick together and it fails.

At the end of the article, we note that it is best to store an electric screwdriver in a dry, heated room. Humidity will cause the contacts of the tool to oxidize and it may fail. Screwdriver batteries must be stored in a charged state. So they will last much longer. If the batteries no longer hold a charge, then service centers you can always order new ones.

We hope our instructions have helped you in your work and have been useful.

The modern market for building fasteners offers the buyer a wide selection of self-tapping screws - so necessary for any repair of products. However, the reviews about these "little helpers" are not always flattering.

The thing is that home craftsmen often do not know how to properly screw in a screw and how to choose it correctly in general.

Types of self-tapping screws

There are two main types of self-tapping screws used in self repair- for wood and universal. Their main difference is in the thread pitch - "screws" for wood are characterized big step(more rare application of threads).

There is a misconception that universal parts are just as good for wood, plywood and chipboard as specialized ones. No, of course, screwing them into these materials will not be difficult, but how well they will stay there is a big question. The fact is that the “raw material” into which the self-tapping screw is “immersed” must lie securely in the grooves of the thread, and the structure of the wood will not allow it to be qualitatively located in the narrow “grooves” of the universal self-tapping screw.

Self-tapping tools

Fasteners may have caps of different sizes and recesses in them of various shapes and sizes. Therefore, before screwing in a self-tapping screw, make sure that you have a screwdriver or a screwdriver with a suitable nozzle in your arsenal. In general, it is better to have nozzles for the corresponding tools, as they say, to the maximum. Plus, they should be replaced regularly, since wear of devices during operation cannot be avoided.

Note! The best nozzles are those made of tool steel with hardening additives. Don't opt ​​for the first set that comes across, otherwise after a couple of days of intensive work you will have to go for a new one.

If your plans include wrapping one or two self-tapping screws into a non-solid surface, then you can work with a screwdriver. If more - you can not do without a screwdriver. Tightening fasteners with a screwdriver is not as simple an operation as it might seem at first glance, and requires some skill. A screwdriver will do everything quickly and efficiently.

General technology for screwing screws

Using an awl, make a small indentation in the place reserved for the self-tapping screw. Install the product in position. With careful but sure movements, turn the part until it is well deepened and fixed in the material. After that, the force can be increased. Toward the end of the “process”, the speed must be reduced again - so as not to damage the self-tapping screw.

How to screw self-tapping screws into different materials?

Many men, not knowing how to screw a screw into concrete, spoil a sufficient number of purchased parts. In fact, everything is quite simple: self-tapping screws are “integrated” into concrete with the help of dowels - durable plastic “tubes”. First, a hole is made in the material, a dowel is installed there, which “accepts” the fastener.

Worth knowing! Craftsmen advise lubricating the dowels with glue before installation. This, in their opinion, strengthens the connections.

Drilling holes in concrete should be done exclusively with a hammer drill - even an impact drill may not withstand, let alone a conventional one. Self-tapping screws are suitable for both wood and universal.

Brick, ceramic tile, coupler

Self-tapping screws are screwed into these environments in the same way as into concrete. The only thing is that it is better to take a regular drill to work with tiles, as it can crack from the excessive power of the puncher.

Copper, bronze, aluminum

Measure the shank diameter of the fastener excluding threads. This manipulation must be performed with a caliper. Install the pointed jaws perpendicular to the self-tapping screw and clamp the product so that they completely penetrate the thread groove; determine the diameter. Using a drill with a diameter one and a half millimeters smaller than the value obtained, make a hole in the material. Screw the screw into the hole - and the job is done. Use parts with universal thread.

Note! Before "perforating" the main structure, it is recommended to test the drill on a small unnecessary piece of similar material. Drill a hole and try to screw the product into it. The drill is considered correctly selected if the self-tapping screw passes into the hole tight enough, but does not jam. In the event that the screw fails to "break through", you should work with a thicker drill. Too light twisting of the part symbolizes that you need to take a thinner drill - otherwise the self-tapping screw can pop out at any moment.

The hole in the material should be equal to or slightly larger than the unthreaded bar diameter. Self-tapping screws will not be able to cope with a number of hard metals - in particular, it is almost impossible to screw these fasteners into cast iron.

Not every plastic is ready to accept a self-tapping screw, so making sure that the material fits exactly before starting work will not be superfluous. The technology for screwing a self-tapping screw into plastic is the same as for soft metals - copper, aluminum, bronze. Recommended products - with wood carvings.

Wood, fiberboard and chipboard

Don't know how to screw a self-tapping screw into a board? Believe me, there is nothing easier. The basic rule is to use only wood screws. For hardwoods, thin boards, chipboard, fiberboard, pre-drilling a hole for the product is mandatory, since there is a risk of splitting the material with a self-tapping screw. For thick softwood boards, this manipulation can be dispensed with.

If you are working:

• with hardwood - choose a drill with a diameter equal to the diameter of the self-tapping rod (naturally, without thread);
• with fiberboard - 1 millimeter less;
• with chipboard or soft wood - 2-3 millimeters less.

Mark points on the sheet with a pencil. Optimal step between self-tapping screws - up to 70 centimeters, depending on the expected loads on the structure. If you use a screwdriver, you can start screwing the product at maximum speed. After the screw enters the surface by ½, it is recommended to gradually reduce the speed to the minimum. When tightening with a conventional screwdriver, all movements should be smooth. It is very important to tighten the self-tapping screw correctly - ideally, it should be 1 millimeter below the level of the cardboard, not plaster! This will ensure maximum strength of the future design. If you suddenly did not follow the technology and broke through the cardboard, the “ill-fated” place needs to be puttied, and a new fastener should be placed at a distance of 5-9 centimeters from it.

The type of self-tapping screws for drywall must be selected depending on the material used in the installation of the crate. For a metal frame, universal self-tapping screws or for metal are required, for a wooden crate - wood products.

How to tighten the screwed out screw?

The unscrewed part must be re-twisted exactly as it stood before. It is very important that the self-tapping screw enters the same groove, at the same angle. If the product “draws” a “new path” for itself, the reliability of fastening will be significantly reduced. How to get into an already existing recess? Simply insert the part into the hole and turn it by hand without pressure. As soon as everything falls into place, you will feel it - the process will go like clockwork. You do not need to press on a tight-fitting self-tapping screw, you just need to remove it and try again. A small effort is required only at the very end of screwing.

Now you know how to screw a self-tapping screw into drywall, concrete, brick, wood and metals correctly and what to do in case of "work hitches".

• 1. Types of self-tapping screws
• 2. What can be fixed with self-tapping screws?
• 2.1 Drywall
• 2.2 Metal
• 2.3 Tree
• 2.4 Concrete
• 3. Video

When conducting construction works can not do without tightening the screws. Without a doubt, many types of work have been greatly simplified after the introduction of this fastener. And, it would seem, there are no “dark spots” in this matter, the self-tapping screw is simply screwed into the surface of the material with some tool. However, everything is somewhat more complicated than it might seem at first glance, after learning how to screw in a screw, you will understand that this process requires a separate and detailed consideration.

Types of self-tapping screws

To begin with, it is worth deciding what a self-tapping screw is. So among people is called a self-tapping screw. The bottom line is that when it is twisted into any surface, it cuts the thread itself, which ensures its reliable retention in the material. Depending on the design features, as well as the materials of manufacture, self-tapping screws can be divided into several types.

1. By wood. These fasteners are made of steel, the strength of which is sufficient for working with wood, and the external thread has a large pitch.
2. For metal. Such self-tapping screws are made of steel, and the finished product is hardened. Its carving has a much smaller pitch than a wood screw.
3. By concrete. Here it is necessary to make a reservation that the self-tapping screw can be screwed into foam concrete blocks (and the like), although there will be nothing positive about the quality of such fastening due to the low density of the material. Self-tapping screws for monolithic concrete have not yet been invented!

Anchors are not self-tapping screws, so to work with them, a hole is pre-drilled in concrete into which it is inserted. Actuating the screw mechanism causes the anchor to expand.

In addition, self-tapping screws differ in the shape and design of the cap. Depending on this, a bit should also be selected, with the help of which screwing will occur. The point is that if this is not done, then if the self-tapping screw encounters an obstacle when screwing in, then the bit, instead of slipping out of the screw head, will turn it and break it. Or, if this does not happen, then the edges on the beat will break. In any case, this is not pleasant. That is why before you tighten the screw, you need to pay attention to the matching of the cap and bits.

As for the screwing process itself, it must be said here that the technological features will differ depending on the material into which the screw is screwed.

What can be fixed with screws?

We will consider each option for fastening with self-tapping screws of a particular material separately.

Drywall

When you have to fix drywall sheets, it is important to know some of the features that accompany this process.

• First of all, it must be said that it is necessary to choose self-tapping screws for screwing into drywall, based on the material of manufacture of the crate. If it is made of wood, then wood screws will be needed. If metal, then the use of self-tapping screws for metal will be required.
• It is necessary to start screwing the screws into the drywall at high speeds of the screwdriver. After the self-tapping screw enters the profile, the speed must be reduced and the drywall must be pressed at minimum speed. Ideally, the head of the screw should be located a millimeter deeper than the cardboard. So the attachment point will be as strong as possible. Do not allow the cardboard layer to be punched through. If this happens, the hole must be puttied and at a distance of several centimeters from the unsuccessful fastening, tighten another self-tapping screw.

Drywall is not a strong material to which you can attach something with self-tapping screws. Therefore, only the fastening of the drywall itself is considered.

Metal

When you need to screw a self-tapping screw into metal, you need to carry out a number of preparatory measures.

• First you need to measure the diameter of the axis of the self-tapping screw. For these purposes, it is necessary to use a caliper. It is important to remember that you need to measure the diameter without taking into account the height of the thread.
• After that, you need to use a drill, 1–1.5 mm less than the diameter of the screw rod, to drill a hole in the material. To achieve the best result, you can practice on blanks made of a similar material. Ideally, the self-tapping screw should be screwed in tightly, but not wedged in the hole.
• Screwing should be carried out at medium speeds of the tool, evenly and with a slight pressure on the self-tapping screw.

If the self-tapping screw is twisted into thick metal, then the hole is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the self-tapping screw.

Wood

If you need to screw a screw into wooden surface, then there is less work to be done than in the previous cases. This is due to the properties of the material. However, in general, the stages of work are the same as in the case of, for example, metal.

1. First, a preliminary hole is drilled slightly smaller in diameter than the self-tapping screw.
2. A self-tapping screw is screwed into this hole at medium speeds of the tool.

In principle, there is nothing complicated, since it is much easier to screw a self-tapping screw into a tree than, for example, into metal.

Concrete

As for how to screw a screw into concrete, there are concrete screws for this purpose. If you drill a hole under them with a drill with a diameter of 6.5 mm, then they are screwed in and perfectly hold everything that they have secured.

An ordinary self-tapping screw for wood or metal simply will not hold there by itself, not to mention the fact that it is simply impossible to screw it in.

Also, fastening to concrete is possible with the help of additional fasteners - dowels.

1. First, a hole for the dowel is drilled.
2. A dowel is driven into the hole.
3. A self-tapping screw is screwed into the dowel.

The procedure is quite simple, but requires some skill and experience. Self-tapping screws and dowels should be selected in close relationship with each other.

Anchors are used to obtain a stronger fastening.

Concerning general rules, how to screw in a self-tapping screw correctly, regardless of the material, it should be said that, first of all, you need to make sure that the fasteners are screwed in at an angle of 90 degrees. Overlapping must not be allowed. This will cause both additional difficulties when twisting, and less strong retention of it in the surface. And in the case of metal, it will completely lead to breakage of the self-tapping screw, which in turn will cause the entire fastening to be unusable. The speed of rotation of the drill or screwdriver must also be controlled.

However, knowing and observing the above rules for carrying out work and some technological aspects of their implementation, you can avoid most of the likely problems and carry out all the work yourself, quickly and efficiently, as befits a real master.

Video

Is it possible to tighten a self-tapping screw without tools? Get the answer by watching the video.

Many people, when doing repairs with their own hands and dealing with wood, metal, plywood or drywall, cannot do without the use of self-tapping screws. In inept hands, self-tapping screws can bend, even break, and all because of ignorance of the techniques and techniques for working with self-tapping screws. Therefore, it is important to know how to screw in a self-tapping screw.

Self-tapping screws are the most various kinds and classifications. First of all, they are divided into self-tapping screws for metal and for wood. The fundamental difference from each other lies in the thread pitch. Those used for wood wrapping have a much wider thread pitch, those used for metal have a smaller one. And this is no accident. For example, if you try to screw a wood screw into metal, it will most likely break or bend. Self-tapping screws with fine metal threads will also not hold in wood, because the wood will not penetrate well between narrow turns and cling to them weakly. By the way, metal screws have two types of execution: with a drill at the end and without it.

Note! When working with self-tapping screws without a drill, in the metal into which they will be screwed, a hole is pre-drilled with a drill, slightly smaller than the diameter of the self-tapping screw. A self-tapping screw is then screwed into it.

If you don’t make holes in thick metal, then you won’t be able to screw in such screws, no matter how hard you try. Unlike simple self-tapping screws, self-tapping screws with a drill do not require pre-drilling, and they themselves make their way through the thickness of the metal. Roofing self-tapping screws also have such drill tips. They are made with a hex head and are equipped with a rubber gasket to prevent water from penetrating under the roofing.

Tools

In order to properly screw the screws, you need the appropriate tools. If you plan to screw in one or two self-tapping screws, then it is quite possible to get by with a simple Phillips screwdriver. If we are talking about several tens, and even more so hundreds, then there is nowhere without a screwdriver.

It will greatly facilitate and simplify the task. But by itself, such an electric assistant will not help much. It is necessary to have a serious arsenal of all kinds of nozzles of various configurations.

materials

Roof. Carrying out roofing work, either special roofing screws or self-tapping screws with a press washer are used. They also come in metal and wood. Self-tapping screws are screwed into the upper wave of the sheet roofing, most often professional sheet. Here it is very important to control the pressure force of the cap on the sheet.

Value for money

It is recommended to purchase self-tapping screws in specialized stores building materials. There is at least some guarantee of the quality of the goods. But even when buying self-tapping screws in a store, there is a risk of acquiring a low-quality product. Of course, such a risk is much higher on the market, but you can still find good goods there, so you should not completely ignore the building materials markets. It is important to pay attention to the cost of self-tapping screws.

If they are almost half the price of their neighbors on the shelf, then you should refrain from such a purchase, as this is most likely a low-grade product from an unknown Chinese manufacturer. These self-tapping screws very often break off the cap, or they simply bend in the process of twisting. A good product is worth the money.

Video

You will learn a lot of interesting things about tightening self-tapping screws from the following video material: