Installing Self Drilling TEK Screws In Metal | Fasteners 101

In this video, one of our resident fastener specialists discusses TEK Self Drilling screws and how to install them. The specialist explains the different kinds of TEK screws and demonstrates first hand how self drilling screws are installed into 10 gauge galvanized steel and structural steel.
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[@trainer4uu]

Thanks for a realistic drilling tutorial. Really appreciate how you showed the errors that one can make. This helps me to get better prepared for my first time at drilling anything.

[@Aikidobear129]

At the 8 minute mark I really admire your verbal control-- as if I had smacked my hand into the steel I do believe everything that came out of my mouth would have to be censored. Good Work!

[@rustyzi345]

This is a great video. You did a great job. I wish I had people on my jobsite giving me explanations like this.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the feedback.

[@917Stefano]

This is very helpful. I have never used these self-drilling screws before, so it is great to see things demonstrated.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@jaymartinson]

Thanks so much! Very informative and helpful.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

You're welcome! Thank you for your feedback.

[@anthonyocarroll5630]

What is best screw for Colorbond gate please

[@perrythorvig6446]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@JackSparrow-yb3lq]

I would like to see a video where you show how to thread a hole for bolts or machine screws.

[@JMEStuff]

What happened to showing how the pan head screws would have behaved?

[@cherylmeeks1010]

how do I know which size I need to repair my screen enclosure kick plate

[@zumbatan550]

I am joining two 3" (ID) galvanized pipes together by inserting a 3" OD pipe inside and use self drilling screws. I was told I need 1/4" - 14 x3/4 self tapping screws. What can of screws should I need. I live in US.

[@bogdanbuzaianu8085]

After installation, does cutting the drill segment (not the fillet bit) off the tip of the screw affect its tensile capacity?

[@rogelioaco2985]

How much is wood txtscrew size 3" stainless

[@robpeters2296]

I was screwing into square metal tubing and I tightened them down leaving an indentation in the metal, question did I weaken the structure? thanks

[@tmb9126]

Hello, thank you for the video. Can't I drill faster if I just keep wetting the screw tip? Thanks!

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

No

[@lboymusic]

Are you using an impact driver? Does it help if you use a hammer drill, with hammer selected? Thank

[@serenaluna544]

Hi! I'm trying to install a chain lock but the door is hollow core and seems like it's laminated or steel on the outside, I tried with a hollow door anchor but won't go in and stripped... Please will you advise me on what type of screw should I use.

[@bluegorillacookies]

Great video...what would you recommend for installing a wood ledgerboard to a steel framed house? Something strutural, self tapping. Do Teks wood to metal screws cut it? Thanks!

[@LiloUkulele]

Impact driver or drywall screw gun????????????????

[@JackSparrow-yb3lq]

I live in Albany County. Do you carry any odd size screws that would be for a drawer handle? I have a drawer handle that is missing one screw and cannot find a match anywhere. At true value the told me it is between sizes.

[@easyspeak101]

Hi. Do the drills snap off after use. I was hoping to join two pieces of angle iron resulting in a flush "like a butt joint " with these or do I have to weld or use old fashioned nuts and bolts? Cheers 👍

[@AshwanikumarSainiARTER]

Thanks Bob, wonderful demo and info on the functioning and composition of Tek Screws. I liked the Taiwanese Tek 5. Which brand is it :-)

[@justinekayley]

How about for a concrete wall

[@ncgolli]

I am assembling an adjustable (24"-72" wide)Peak chain link gate. The top and bottom you cut to the right width and you connect the top & bottom and the 2 sides (C shaped) There are 4 hex self tapping screws with it. The top and bottom straight poles have holes at either end but if you have to cut it down to make a 45" wide gate there is only one hole on each piece left with a hole. There are no holes on the C shaped sides so the self tapping screw has to go through 2 layers of metal where there is no hole and one layer where there is one outside hole. The self tapping screw is a 5/16th and I need a 5/16th hex driver for my regular drill. Trying to find the easiest way to do this without buying a special drill to assemble this gate. Can I get a bit that would go on my drill?

[@bornagainbiker2806]

Brilliant! I haven't laughed this much for ages!

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@katherines7135]

I want to hang a step ladder on the back door which is metal. I would think I will need a screw that resist vibration as we use it often. I will need to secure it at the top and bottom.

[@EllenMcDermott]

Very nice. What I was looking to know was did they stay in the steel or were they easy enough to pull back out with your hand

[@inspiredearthnz]

They will all be VERY solidly anchored into the steel, and impossible to pull out by hand. If you're familiar with screwing into wood, think of how difficult it would be to pull such a screw out - only this will many times harder. The reason being ... you've got steel screwed into steel (both relatively hard mediums), as opposed to steel screwed into wood (which is relatively soft).

[@madinaharabiccoursebyabdul4179]

That doesn't look 3/8" steel looks like 3/16" maybe 1/4"

[@michaeldamico5152]

I have a home with a 2nd floor. The floor joists for the ceiling above my garage are metal. I would like to hang some hanging shelves from the ceiling of the garage, but I don't know what type of fasteners to use in the metal floor joists. Can anyone recommend the right type of self taping screw to use and do I have to be concerned about finding the exact center of the floor joist before making a hole for the screw? Thanks for your help.

[@ZerHour]

You mention hammer drill So you use a hammer setting ? And these hex heads directly into any drill chuck magnet ?

[@ryanandrade1225]

It's not a hammer drill actually. It's an impact driver. You get best results with a normal combo drill with torque adjustment, it will have a clutch with number markings on it. Start at a smaller number and if the clutch cams out go to a higher number. If you have speed setting, put it on speed 1 so you don't over heat the drilling bit of the screw .

[@melissanative1799]

What screw including length would you recommend for common home steel stud to hang heavy objects on wall? I read that 25 gauge steel is the most common in house frames.

[@adam68niou1eve]

I though Stainless Steel was NON FERROUS and not effected by magnetic fields...also didnt think SS rusted???? Is this a different type of stainless steel?

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

The properties of stainless steel depends heavily on the grade. The 316 grade of stainless steel, for example, is much closer to what you thought stainless steel was like, containing both chromium and nickel among other metals.. The 410 stainless steel sacrifices the corrosion resistance and magnetic-resistant properties for added hardness. This is why you'll mostly only see 410 used on self drilling screws. If you want to learn more about this, take a look at the Austenitic Stainless Steel family (containing 316 SS) and the Martensitic Stainless Steel family (containing 410 SS).

[@gloriakummer5357]

Great detail about the screws, but not about the socket, type of socket that is needed for the drill to go with the hex head, coming from someone who has never done this! Can anyone help me please? I was told to get a drill socket extension. Or just use a Phillips tap screw since I don't have all the tools and parts needed.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Hi Gloria, The type of socket for these hex head screws is called a nutsetter. We have them available on our website: www.albanycountyfasteners.com/VEGA-V4N2B-6-Piece-Industrial-Driver-Nutsetter-Set-p/1050-330.htm The size of driver you need will depend on the screw size itself. A drill socket extension is an excellent tool if you need to get to a hard to reach area where the drill will not fit. Otherwise you should not need an extension to install them. You can also use the Phillips version if you prefer not to get the nutsetters although you will need to be careful not to strip the head. Here is our selection of self drilling TEK screws: www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Self-Drilling-Screws-s/1618.htm

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Good point and you need a hex driver for your drill.

[@brandoncole6358]

Lmao depends on the screw 5/16 is the common size some are 1/4in. U would need an impact or drill (the common cordless ones will work).

[@calligrapher2157]

What type of screw would you recommend I use for 3/4”preservativo treated plywood into 20 gauge steel studs

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

A self-drilling screw would be your best bet. However, you'll want to predrill a hole through the plywood to lessen the chance of the screw overheating.

[@lancespringer1]

pulsating between fast and slow helps

[@brandoncole6358]

True this keeps the tip from losing it's temper and when drilling into double perlin it keeps the head from snapping

[@bd1223]

Would you recommend a bit of oil so drilling can be doe a bit quicker?

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

No, we would not recommend any oil. Self drilling screws don't normally need any lubricant or oil to drill through materials. Adding oil could actually be more detrimental since you need to go the right speed for the self driller to drill effectively. Adding oil may cause it to go faster and mess up the TEK point.

[@sergiocavazos8963]

nice video! whats kind and size of screw should I use to fix things on the metal wall of a van (ram promaster)?? lets say fixing 4 x 2 wood on the internal rails ? or installing a fan on the roof thanks!

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Sheet Metal Screws with some threadlocker for the vibration would probably be your best bet for this application, though as far as the size and what specific kind of sheet metal screw, it really depends on the specific application.

[@The_Matrix_I_Am]

15 mississippies for import, 17 mississippies for american made... I was counting. Do you find there is a difference between using an impact vs reg drill?

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Hi Rich, Yes, Impact drill works faster then a reg drill. Impact is the way to go.

[@rashidfaris2718]

in the video you said you were using a hammer drill. i think that's an impact driver.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Yes I do and better to us the impact.

[@justobrown]

That is completely wrong advise. You should never use an impact drill to put self drilling screws in with! You should be using a "tek gun" they drive the screws in at 2500 rpm and have a torque setting, and a depth locator to stock the screws being over driven. Both "Fein" and "Makita" do specialist tek guns.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

No this is great advise and I have used both. I have found impact tools work better and faster. I'v seen many tek guns burn out tek tips. Also an impact tool in has variable speed and does not start to impact until the hole has been drilled through the other side. Watch the video. "Tek Guns" are old school.

[@deanpournaras7460]

Nice demo. Looking for the Tek 5 but with a low profile Pan-Head finish or recessed. I am looking to attach 1/2" cement board to 14 gauge Strut. Any additional advice would be great? Thanks.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

While we presently do no carry that specific self-driller, but we may be able to get it for you. Please contact us at 866-573-0445 and while you are there our sales and customer service staff may help you with and application questions you have. Thanks for watching!

[@23003jamestvl0h]

I drill the small tek screw with the Phillip's head into thinner metal studs...sometimes with drywall over, and I don't hear the clicking sound and when my screw is flush with the drywall or stud, it just spins freely and isn't actually locked down, what am I doing wrong?

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

What are you trying to fasten? Are you always drilling through drywall to get to these studs? You say the screw you are using is small. It's possible the screws you are using are not long or thick enough.

[@12vLife]

Thanks.. liked and subbed... what's best for 22ga automotive steel? something I've noticed the tight threads are best for thin steel. I find that cheap drywall for steel studs do not go lose like some of the screws with wider threads go lose. Only thing is they tend to rust in the tropics where I'm at.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Consider looking into Ultra Stainless Steel self drilling screws. They are designed for greater corrosion resistance than normal 410 stainless steel self drillers and come in a range of sizes. As long as the screw is long enough to go through the steel and whatever you are fastening you should be fine. bit.ly/2TgjuD3

[@michaelvaldez4576]

What type of screw could I use on the inside of truck beds?

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Self Drillers would probably work best for fastening things to a truck bed. Though what kind of self driller, and what size, will vary depending on application.

[@rubberkas2]

We've got a guy like him over here called Mr Bean !

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@Gibonz]

Thanks for the video Can these be used in concrete if needed?

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

We would not advise that. They aren't designed for any form of masonry. It would be better to use tapcon masonry screws for such applications.

[@user-lj6gk4lv9s]

rotate the driver unit in small circles for faster drilling

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@mattgibbons3752]

Bob, what is your opinion on rivetnuts or plusnuts for this type of application? Do you recommend them over tek screws for pull out strength?

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Hello Matt, It's really gonna come down to what application you need it for. What material are you installing into, and what are you trying to hold? We drilled a steel strut and a steel plate in the video. Are you referring to one of those or do you have an application of your own you would like our opinion on?

[@kabdullahi1582]

What is the name of 3 screw at 08:01

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

You mean the 3rd screw at 9:51? In which case that is a hex washer head self drilling screw with a TEK-5 Point coated in Climaseal. You can find those here: www.albanycountyfasteners.com/hex-washer-head-self-drill-climaseal-tek-5.htm

[@mareksumguy1887]

"OOPS"

[@dopeboysproduction4972]

We call them waffer head but iv worked a lot with them and mate give u a hint Vic's vapour rub spin it flat out for a quick dint rub chest rub on her and give it to her

[@mikeykeyes]

Whilst MOST of all tutoring type videos emanate from North America, my problem is understanding all this foreign measurements- gauge, inch, quarts, ounce, pounds- as a non technical person goes totally over my head because I just can't compute three and a quarter inch socket in a 12 gauge steel with a half inch socket or whatever!!! I wish the US did not have to be so foreign with everything.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@glennbarthelemy2443]

Fine someone who knows what there doing!!!!! On the next video.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@jtown1bb]

That's a driver, and you are saying drill?

[@mahamedqasim]

wrong way

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@chuchunte]

first drilling screw took a minute to drill... do you know TEK screws ask factory to test drilling in 3 seconds for #3 point, #5 point should also be second as well. I would laugh at those engineers and purchasing managers... because even we met requirement, the worker does not know the trick of it.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@peterowens290]

Bob your dreaming mate. The speed of drilling is pathetic, you had to exert a good deal of force on relatively small screws & you even managed to lose one screw several times (my experience also). The problem is you can't effectively control speed while exerting force on the drill. In my experiments I found the point wandered somewhat, drilling was painfully slow (14 gauge screws) until I used a proper HSS drill bit & drilled a pilot. Overall much easier & quicker.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@craigsaunders7037]

I hope you don't get a job where you get paid by the screw. That was painful watching you drive that first screw. And your 3/8 structural steel isn't 3/8 thick.

[@dhrubajyotiborah7320]

Siyani english (screws ) kiya bal te hai.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@greggrif66]

That Milwaukee nut driver is a piece of crap, does't hold your fastener worth a shit.

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

That's actually a DeWalt nut driver used in the video.

[@greggrif66]

@@AlbanyCountyFasteners Not the drill the 5/16 bit. should hold the screw from rolling out

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

​@@greggrif66 Sorry about that, you're right about the nut driver make, it is a Milwaukee. We have not had any issues with our bit though.

[@xt486]

drill going wrong direction!!

[@AlbanyCountyFasteners]

Thank you for your feedback.