The term “TEK Screw” has gained a trademark. TEK screws are self-tapping and self-drilling fasteners, which means they have a drill tip with a very small carving piece, so no pre-drilling is required. HVAC ductwork, solar panels, electricity, and metal roofing screws are popular for metal-to-metal applications.
Overview:
Application use cases have broadened to include fixing timber panels, stainless steel fittings – and even roofing panels. TEK screws will give a secure grip for these applications. Air conditioning systems and canopies, for example, are suitable candidates for these thread forming screws since they can be taken apart for repair or rebuilding frequently.
Sizing:
Tek screws are available in a variety of diameters and lengths, each designed to accommodate specific thicknesses of metal. The size of a Tek screw is typically denoted by a number, such as #12, which indicates the screw’s diameter, and a Tek number, such as Tek #3 or Tek #5, which specifies the length of the drill point.
Usage:
The value of screws has been redefined thanks to TEK screws. They appear ordinary; however, they are pretty helpful on the job site. The shank lengths and diameters of TEK screws are available in various sizes. The numeric size of diameter ranges from #6 to #14, with #6 being the thinnest and #14 being the thickest. The higher the number, the thicker the metal through which it can pass without a pilot hole. The most popular TEK screws are #8 and #10 TEK screws.
Materials:
TEK screws are made of hard metals like stainless steel and can drill through soft steel or metals having a harder drill point than the metal into which they fasten. The following materials are available for self-tapping fasteners:
- Zinc-Plated Steel is the most prevalent and has excellent rust resistance when screwing metal.
- Weather-Guard Coated improves the protection of ferrous metals against rust and corrosion over many standard coatings.
- Stainless steel is available in 316 and 304 grades. The corrosion resistance of 316 is excellent.
- A unique hybrid combining a strong steel driver fused at the mid-body with an 18-8 head provides exceptional drilling and corrosion resistance.