Self-tapping screw: what is it and where is it applied?

This type of fasteners, like screws, is used almost everywhere. It is even hard to imagine what could be replaced if necessary. The sturdy and sharp thread allows the fasteners to be easily screwed into the surface of a material of a different kind and thickness. A screw is nothing more than a rod with a structural element and external thread, in most cases it is used to connect various designs of metal. All parts of this kind are divided into fastening and installation, depending on the method of application.

Self-tapping screws are widely used, they are used in many industries, but most of these fasteners are in demand in engineering. High build quality, low time costs, ease of use increase the demand for screws. They can be screwed into any, even hard-to-reach place, the use of a nut is not necessary. In addition, there is absolutely no need to make a hole, it is formed directly during assembly.

In most cases, a self-tapping screw is used to connect structures made of materials such as low carbon steel, aluminum and copper alloys , plastic. Starting from the name, do not think that the screw is able to cut the material that it connects. It can cause only plastic deformation, by pressing into metal or plastic.

Standards GOST 1478-93 and GOST 2702-93 regulate the quality of products and production technology. Technical specifications for zinc-plated self-tapping screws with concealed and semi-hollow heads are generally available. Also available are screws with a sphere with a cross-shaped slot and a cylindrical head. Self-tapping screw has quite a lot of types, except those listed, also found with a shaped head, flange, star-shaped drive. True, the last three screws in the Russian Federation are not used, because they do not have standards. Although if we talk about the quality of assembly, then they are much more progressive than standard screws.

Self-tapping screw, belonging to one of the new types, can not be used in Russian production. The reason lies in the mismatch of thread sizes. The fact that the screw-type fasteners with a star-shaped drive, a shaped head and a flange, though more perfect in comparison with domestic, but they have a completely different carving. In addition, they are completely inconsistent with the current three standards that regulate product quality and production technology. The design and size of the screws also do not meet Russian standards.

The international standard ISO 1478-2005 has already acquired a new form, which presupposes the production and use of screws with a rounded end. Probably, such a self-tapping screw will soon appear in Russia, as well as relevant standards will be adopted. It has long been planned to update all Russian standards in order to comply with international standards.

When selecting screws, it is necessary to repulse the material of the structure to be fastened, its thickness, and the required depth of the hole. Depending on the type of coating, all self-tapping screws are divided into galvanized, galvanized and black.