Steve Jones wrote:

I have a simple enough question but I cannot find the answer on Google,
hope someone can help:

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?

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).

Self tappers can be used in most situations where you might otherwise
use a wood screw. As the name suggests, they will cut a thread much
better than an ordinary screw even without a pilot hole. As a result
thay can be screwed directly into materials that would be difficult for
a conventional screw to get a purchase in (chipboard etc).

The other notable difference is that most self tappers tend to be
glavanised and hence rust resistent which is more the exception that the
rule for ordinary wood screws.

Armed with a decent posidrive head they are ideal for power
screwdriving, since they will locate accurately on the screwdriver bit
and stay put as you drive them home.

I would say that 90% of the screws I buy are technically a self tapper
type design.


--
Cheers,

John.

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