A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

On Dec 16, 8:24*am, notbob -did-not-set--mail-host-
address--so-tickle-me wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. *These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. *I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. *What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. *In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

I think you pretty much said it all in your post.

Hex Self Tapping Screws

http://tinyurl.com/hex-tap

or

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...A300_SH20_.jpg

On 12/16/2010 7:24 AM, notbob wrote:

A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

TDD

On Dec 16, 8:38*am, The Daring Dufas
wrote:
On 12/16/2010 7:24 AM, notbob wrote:



A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. *These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. *I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. *What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. *In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

TDD

I just used some self-tapping screws for a project that I bought at
Lowes. They included
a rubber washer and a metal washer, already installed on the screw.
They go in using
a driver/drill. The rubber washer gives it some give and I used them
to fasten plastic
conduit clamps.

The Daring Dufas writes:


Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

I see many different types, there. Thanks for that.

I guess I should have been a little more specific, in that I was looking
for a self-tapping screw that would easily penetrate soft or low-carbon
steel, like the one's I used on the Limey motorcycle frame. Is that a
special type, or do they all do that? I'm looking to use the screws to
punch through and lock up the louvre adj linkage on a forced air heat
register, which is stamped steel. Thnx.

nb

On 12/16/2010 8:07 AM, wrote:
On Dec 16, 8:38 am, The Daring
wrote:
On 12/16/2010 7:24 AM, notbob wrote:



A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

TDD

I just used some self-tapping screws for a project that I bought at
Lowes. They included
a rubber washer and a metal washer, already installed on the screw.
They go in using
a driver/drill. The rubber washer gives it some give and I used them
to fasten plastic
conduit clamps.

Those screws were actually designed for assembling metal buildings and
corrugated metal roofing. The rubber washer is the weather seal.

TDD

On 12/16/2010 8:23 AM, notbob wrote:
The Daring writes:


Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

I see many different types, there. Thanks for that.

I guess I should have been a little more specific, in that I was looking
for a self-tapping screw that would easily penetrate soft or low-carbon
steel, like the one's I used on the Limey motorcycle frame. Is that a
special type, or do they all do that? I'm looking to use the screws to
punch through and lock up the louvre adj linkage on a forced air heat
register, which is stamped steel. Thnx.

nb

There are many different styles of Tek screws. Some have little ears
above the drill bit to widen a hole through wood when wood is being
fastened to metal beams. If you search Tek or drill point screws,
you'll probably come across the exact screw you have used.

TDD

"notbob" -did-not-set--mail-host-address--so-tickle-me wrote in
message
-did-not-set--mail-host-address--so-tickle-me...

A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

TEK screws. Sold at Lowes, HD and Ace. Cheaper by the box of 100 but that
depends on how many you need.

I use the #6 x 1/2 to drill the hard coat on plaster. Cheaper and safer
than drill bits for the same job. Of course my price is based on a bag of
500 at one time so YMMV.

Colbyt

I've seen that kind of thing at Lowe's and Home
Depot. I call them hex head self drilling screws.
They have them in small packs, or boxes.

Harbor freight also has them as assortments,
http://www.harborfreight.com/200-pie...ent-67592.html
The HF ones tend to be very soft steel. Should
work on a heat register.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"notbob"
wrote in message ...

I guess I should have been a little more specific, in that I was
looking
for a self-tapping screw that would easily penetrate soft or
low-carbon
steel, like the one's I used on the Limey motorcycle frame. Is that a
special type, or do they all do that? I'm looking to use the screws
to
punch through and lock up the louvre adj linkage on a forced air heat
register, which is stamped steel. Thnx.

nb

In ,
typed:
On Dec 16, 8:38 am, The Daring Dufas
wrote:
On 12/16/2010 7:24 AM, notbob wrote:



A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of
self-tapping screws. They were like sheet metal screws,
but with skirted hex heads. These were about 1/2" long
and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special head on
a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet
when the screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these
was the fact they where not only self-starting AND
self-tapping, but they where pretty damn hard. In
experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into
an old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was
wondering just what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down
to the hardware store.

nb

Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

TDD

I just used some self-tapping screws for a project that I
bought at Lowes. They included
a rubber washer and a metal washer, already installed on
the screw. They go in using
a driver/drill. The rubber washer gives it some give and I
used them to fasten plastic
conduit clamps.

Those are usually used for metal roofing. The washer is to stop water.
They're actually OK anywhere else, but a little on the expensive side if not
really needed.

HTH,

Twayne`

In ,
notbob typed:
The Daring Dufas writes:


Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

I see many different types, there. Thanks for that.

I guess I should have been a little more specific, in that
I was looking for a self-tapping screw that would easily
penetrate soft or low-carbon steel, like the one's I used
on the Limey motorcycle frame. Is that a special type, or
do they all do that? I'm looking to use the screws to
punch through and lock up the louvre adj linkage on a
forced air heat register, which is stamped steel. Thnx.

nb

There are different types of screws: The self-drilling and self-tapping.
One simply brings the point of the screw to a fine point with the threads
going all the way to the end. They're good for sheet metal or most sheet
products.
BTW, your motorcycle or whatever it was is likely to be soft steel; it
has to have five to it in order to not crack or break upon hard hits on the
screw during riding. I know the frames on Harleys and Hondas are soft steel,
depending on what part you'\re looking at; like the frame itself, front
fork, etc..

The other type, the threads don't go all the way to the point. However, the
point is shaped almost like drill bit and some are fluted, to pull the
debris out, within reason. The length of the drill-looking part is the depth
of steel max it can be used on. All kinds of sizings are available.
See http://www.imperialinc.com/items.asp?item=8901330 for a sample pic.
Unless I'm doing sheet metal type stuff, I like those the best because it
pre-drills the hole for istelf all the way in, the larger threads providing
the actual holding power like any other screw.

Either type should work for you.

HTH,

Twayne`

wrote:
On Dec 16, 8:38 am, The Daring
wrote:
On 12/16/2010 7:24 AM, notbob wrote:



A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

Most guys in the trades call them Tek screws.

http://www.imperialinc.com/grp076.shtml

TDD

I just used some self-tapping screws for a project that I bought at
Lowes. They included
a rubber washer and a metal washer, already installed on the screw.
They go in using
a driver/drill. The rubber washer gives it some give and I used them
to fasten plastic
conduit clamps.

I need some self hammering nails.

--
LSMFT

Simple job, assist the assistant of the physicist.

"Twayne" writes:


notbob typed:

penetrate soft or low-carbon steel, like the one's I used
on the Limey motorcycle frame.

BTW, your motorcycle or whatever it was is likely to be soft
steel.....

Do you people ever actually read what you are replying to?

Anyway, thanks for the link.

nb

On Dec 16, 5:24*am, notbob -did-not-set--mail-host-
address--so-tickle-me wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. *These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. *I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. *What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. *In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

As everyone else has replied.... called Tek Screws (like Cleanex).

I have found that the screws available at HD (Western States Mfg?)
have slightly shorter heads (~1/32 or so) than the ones I've gotten
through McMaster.

These slightly shorter heads do not engage in the my hex drivers as
well as the McMaster ones.

These self tapping screws work best if you really "lean into them",
the HD ones have a tendency to "tip over" when really leaned into.

Just a heads up YMMV

cheers
Bob

Try Harbor Freight. Along with the self changing light bulbs, and
self torquing hex nuts.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"LSMFT"
wrote in message ...

I need some self hammering nails.

--
LSMFT

Simple job, assist the assistant of the physicist.

It sounds as if you may want screws that are "self-drilling" as well as
self-tapping. See

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg...N=0&sst=subset



--
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation
with the average voter. (Winston Churchill)

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org

On Dec 16, 8:24*am, notbob -did-not-set--mail-host-
address--so-tickle-me wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. *These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. *I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. *What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. *In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

I am surprised that no one has mentioned McFeely's yet. You need to
check
http://www.mcfeelys.com/self-tapping-screws
for a great selection of excellent screws.

No affiliation, just a very satisfied customer.

Pierre

pierre writes:


I am surprised that no one has mentioned McFeely's yet. You need to
check
http://www.mcfeelys.com/self-tapping-screws
for a great selection of excellent screws.

Great resourse. Thank you.

nb

I need some self hammering nails.


Remington...

"notbob" -did-not-set--mail-host-address--so-tickle-me wrote in
message
-did-not-set--mail-host-address--so-tickle-me...

A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

There are lots and lots of different self taps for lots and lots of uses.
Some are the common types available at the hardware stores, and some are
only available at fastener suppliers. All self taps are not tek, and there
are hundreds of different ones.

Steve

On Dec 17, 8:21*am, pierre wrote:
On Dec 16, 8:24*am, notbob -did-not-set--mail-host-

address--so-tickle-me wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. *These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. *I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. *What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. *In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

I am surprised that no one has mentioned McFeely's yet. You need to
checkhttp://www.mcfeelys.com/self-tapping-screws
for a great selection of excellent screws.

No affiliation, just a very satisfied customer.

Pierre

Interesting that McFeely's say they're the square drive specialists
but examples are hard to find on their site. As far as I'm concerned,
square drive (Robertson) are better than any other.

On Dec 16, 9:05*am, DD_BobK wrote:
On Dec 16, 5:24*am, notbob -did-not-set--mail-host-

address--so-tickle-me wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. *These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. *I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. *What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. *In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

As everyone else has replied.... *called Tek Screws (like Cleanex).

I have found that the screws available at HD *(Western States Mfg?)
have slightly shorter heads (~1/32 or so) than the ones I've gotten
through McMaster.

These slightly shorter heads do not engage in the my hex drivers as
well as the McMaster ones.

These self tapping screws work best if you really "lean into them",
the HD ones have a tendency to "tip over" when really leaned into.

Just a heads up *YMMV

cheers
Bob


oops! I meant to type "self-drilling"... the hex heads with the drill
point tip

On Friday, December 17, 2010 4:45:02 PM UTC-8, All Points Fasteners, Inc wrote:
http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/He...ZipScrews.html

http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/Tek.html

The two different type of screws your are referring to are on the pages I attached. Hope this helps!

http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/

On Friday, December 17, 2010 4:45:02 PM UTC-8, All Points Fasteners, Inc wrote:
http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/He...ZipScrews.html

http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/Tek.html

The two different type of screws your are referring to are on the pages I attached. Hope this helps!

http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/

On Thursday, December 16, 2010 5:24:39 AM UTC-8, notbob wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

On Thursday, December 16, 2010 5:24:39 AM UTC-8, notbob wrote:
A couple decades ago, I ran across a handfull of self-tapping screws.
They were like sheet metal screws, but with skirted hex heads. These
were about 1/2" long and 1/4" dia. I'd seen them used with a special
head on a drill motor, it having a hex chuck that would ratchet when the
screw bottomed out. What amazed me about these was the fact they where
not only self-starting AND self-tapping, but they where pretty damn
hard. In experimenting, I discovered they tapped and screwed into an
old BSA motorcycle frame like it was soft pine.

I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb

I think what you are looking for is on this page:
http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/Tek.html

On 10/23/2013 11:15 AM, wrote:
On Friday, December 17, 2010 4:45:02 PM UTC-8, All Points Fasteners, Inc wrote:
http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/He...ZipScrews.html

http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/Tek.html

The two different type of screws your are referring to are on the pages I attached. Hope this helps!

http://www.allpointsfasteners.com/

For self tapping, you need to start early.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLv6UKAuPsg

--
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

On 10/23/2013 11:16 AM, wrote:
On Thursday, December 16, 2010 5:24:39 AM UTC-8, notbob wrote:
I now find myself in need of something like this and was wondering just
what, exactly, do I ask for when I go down to the hardware store.

nb


Well, three years later. Did you ever find out?

--
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
..