On Sat, 4 Sep 2004, Steve Jones wrote:

What is the purpose of a self tapper screw, and when would one use such a
screw? Can they be used in place of wood screws? What about with wall plugs?

Self tappers have threads which are designed to cut their own thread in
suitable material, usually sheet metal. Normally they have a thread along
the full length of the shaft rather than having an unthreaded portion to
act as a dowel as with wood screws, however other than this I can think of
no reason not to use them with plastic wall plugs.

For example, is an A2 stainless steel self tapper suitable for attaching
downpipe clips to an external brick wall? (With suitable wall plug of
course).

Yes, would do the job just fine. Some might consider stainless fasteners
overkill but they will probably still be there holding strong when the
plastic drainpipe has disintegrated in sunlight.

--
Alistair Riddell - BOFH
Microsoft - because god hates us