When it comes to using screws for your projects, you may often come across various types to use for your projects. The two most mixed-up options include tapping and drilling screws. So, what’s the difference between tapping and drilling screws? And how can you pick one of them?
Well, that’s what we are going to explore here in this article. We go through all the differences between these to give you a complete guide on how to choose the right one for your project. Keep reading till the end to find the answers.
Tapping vs Drilling Screws: Differences Comparison
There are plenty of differences to look at between tapping and drilling screws. You can see differences in how to use them, the features, symbols, material compatibility, and so forth. Let’s take an in-depth look at each factor below.
Features
The features that each one offers are quite different and make up the base of your decision to choose either one.
Tapping Screws
- Thread-cutting or thread-forming capabilities
- Require pre-drilled pilot holes
- Available in various thread patterns for different materials
- Often have a pointed or blunt tip
- Can be removed and reused multiple times
- Excellent holding power in softer materials
- More versatile across different material types
Drilling Screws
- Self-drilling capability with drill point
- No need for pre-drilling in most applications
- Faster installation process
- Ideal for metal and other hard materials
- Limited reusability
- Excellent for thin material applications
- Often include a washer for improved sealing
Symbol
While there isn’t a universally standardized symbol for tapping or drilling screws, you may encounter the following in technical drawings or product specifications:
Tapping Screws
Often represented by a simple screw symbol with an annotation indicating “tapping” or “thread-forming.”
Drilling Screws
Typically shown with a drill-point symbol at the tip of the screw, sometimes accompanied by the text “self-drilling” or “tek screw.”
How to
The working process of the techniques is also quite different. Going through this helps you understand which one is simpler.
How to Use Tapping Screws
- Select the appropriate tapping screw for your material and application.
- Determine the correct pilot hole size based on the screw’s specifications.
- Mark the desired screw location on your workpiece.
- Drill the pilot hole using the recommended bit size.
- Position the tapping screw in the pilot hole.
- Using a screwdriver or power tool, drive the screw into the material.
- Apply steady pressure and maintain proper alignment as the screw forms its threads.
- Stop when the screw head is flush with the surface or at the desired depth.
How to Use Drilling Screws
- Choose the appropriate drilling screw for your material and application.
- Mark the desired screw location on your workpiece.
- Position the drilling screw perpendicular to the surface.
- Using a power drill or driver, apply firm, steady pressure to the screw.
- Allow the drill point to create the hole before the threads engage.
- Continue driving the screw until it’s fully seated or reaches the desired depth.
- Be cautious not to over-tighten, which could strip the newly formed threads.
Thread-Forming Mechanism
The primary differentiating factor between tapping and drilling screws lies in their thread-forming mechanism. This distinction is crucial as it affects the installation process, the strength of the connection, and the types of materials each screw is best suited for.
Tapping Screws
These screws are designed to create their threads as they are driven into a pre-drilled pilot hole. The threads on a tapping screw are sharp and tapered at the tip, allowing them to cut into the surrounding material and form matching threads.
Drilling Screws
In contrast, drilling screws, also known as self-drilling screws, have a drill-like point that can bore through the material without the need for a pre-drilled hole. Once the drill point has created the hole, the threads behind it tap into the material, securing the screw in place.
Installation Process
The installation process affects the time and effort required for your project. Tapping screws demand more preparation but offer greater control over the final positioning. Drilling screws provide a faster, more convenient option, especially when working with multiple fasteners or in hard-to-reach areas.
Tapping Screws
When using tapping screws, you must first create a pilot hole. The diameter of this hole should be slightly smaller than the major diameter of the screw. This preparation ensures that the screw can form its threads without exerting excessive force on the material, which could lead to splitting or other damage.
The installation process for tapping screws involves the following steps:
- Measure and mark the location of the screw.
- Select the appropriate drill bit size based on the screw’s specifications.
- Drill the pilot hole.
- Insert the tapping screw and drive it in using a screwdriver or power tool.
- As you drive the screw, you’ll feel it cutting its own threads into the material.
Drilling Screws
The installation process for drilling screws is more straightforward, as they eliminate the need for a separate drilling step. Here’s how you typically install drilling screws:
- Mark the desired location for the screw.
- Position the drilling screw perpendicular to the surface.
- Apply steady pressure and use a power drill or driver to push the screw through the material.
- The drill point will create the hole, and the threads will immediately follow, securing the screw in place.
Material Compatibility
Choosing the right screw for your material ensures a secure fastening and prevents damage to your workpiece. Using a tapping screw in very hard materials might lead to stripped threads or broken screws while using a drilling screw in wood could result in a weakened joint.
Tapping Screws
These screws are versatile and can be used in a wide range of materials, including:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Soft metals (e.g., aluminum, brass)
- Some harder metals (with appropriate pre-drilling)
They excel in somewhat malleable materials, allowing the screw to form strong threads without causing damage.
Drilling Screws
These are primarily designed for use with metal and other hard materials. They are particularly effective in:
- Sheet metal
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Some plastics
Drilling screws are less suitable for wood, as their drill point can cause splintering or tear-out.
Holding Power
The holding power of your fastener directly impacts the strength and durability of your assembly. In applications where load-bearing capacity is crucial, understanding the holding power of each screw type can help you make the best choice for your project’s longevity and safety.
Tapping Screws
Generally, tapping screws provide excellent holding power, especially in materials that allow for good thread formation. The threads cut by the screw create a custom fit, resulting in a strong, secure connection. This is particularly true for materials like wood and plastic, where the formed threads grip tightly.
Drilling Screws
While drilling screws can provide adequate holding power, they may not match the strength of a well-installed tapping screw in some materials. However, their performance in sheet metal and other thin, hard materials is often superior to tapping screws, as they create a clean hole and immediately secure themselves.
Reusability
If your project may require future disassembly or adjustments, the reusability of your fasteners becomes an important consideration. Tapping screws offer more flexibility in this regard while drilling screws are better suited for permanent installations.
Tapping Screws
These screws can often be removed and reinserted multiple times without significant loss of holding power, provided the material hasn’t been damaged. The threads created in the material remain intact, allowing for future use.
Drilling Screws
Due to their drill point, these screws are generally not designed for repeated removal and reinsertion. Once removed, the hole left behind is larger than necessary for the screw threads, potentially leading to a loose connection if reused.
Speed of Installation
Time efficiency can be crucial in many projects, especially in professional settings where labour costs are a significant factor. The faster installation of drilling screws can lead to substantial time savings, potentially offsetting their higher unit cost.
Tapping Screws
The installation process for tapping screws is typically slower due to the need for pre-drilling. Each screw requires careful preparation to ensure proper alignment and thread formation.
Drilling Screws
These offer a significant speed advantage, especially when working with multiple fasteners. The all-in-one drilling and fastening process can dramatically reduce installation time, particularly in production environments or large-scale projects.
Cost Considerations
Budget constraints often play a role in project planning. When choosing between tapping and drilling screws, you’ll need to balance the upfront cost of materials against long-term considerations like installation time and potential future maintenance.
Tapping Screws
Generally, tapping screws are less expensive per unit than drilling screws. However, the total cost of installation may be higher when factoring in the time and additional tools (drill bits) required for preparation.
Drilling Screws
While more expensive per unit, drilling screws can be more cost-effective overall for certain projects due to their faster installation time and reduced tool requirements.
Application Range
Understanding the typical applications for each screw type can guide you in selecting the most appropriate fastener for your specific project needs.
Tapping Screws
These screws offer a broader range of applications due to their versatility across different materials. You’ll find them used in:
- Woodworking projects
- Plastic assemblies
- Automotive applications
- General construction
- DIY home improvements
Drilling Screws
While more specialized, drilling screws excel in specific applications such as:
- Metal roofing and siding installation
- HVAC ductwork assembly
- Steel framing construction
- Automotive bodywork
- Appliance manufacturing
Thread Design
The thread design affects the screw’s performance in different materials. Choosing a screw with the appropriate thread design ensures optimal holding power and prevents damage to your workpiece.
Tapping Screws
Feature a variety of thread designs to suit different materials:
- Wood screws have deeper, coarser threads
- Machine screws have finer threads for use in metals
- Plastic screws have sharp, widely spaced threads
Drilling Screws
Generally have a more uniform thread design optimized for metal applications, with variations in thread pitch and count depending on the specific use case.
Head Styles
The head style affects both the aesthetic appearance of your finished project and the functional aspects of installation and load distribution.
Tapping Screws
Available in a wide range of head styles, including:
- Flat head for countersinking
- Pan head for a low-profile
- Hex head for high torque applications
- Phillips, slotted, or combination drive types
Drilling Screws
Often feature hex washer heads or pan heads with Phillips drives, designed for easy installation with power tools. Some specialized versions may have unique head designs for specific applications.
Corrosion Resistance
Choosing a screw with appropriate corrosion resistance ensures the longevity of your assembly, particularly in outdoor or harsh environmental applications.
Tapping Screws
Available in various materials and finishes to suit different environmental conditions:
- Stainless steel for high corrosion resistance
- Zinc-plated for general-purpose use
- Brass for decorative applications
Drilling Screws
Often feature advanced coatings designed for outdoor and high-corrosion environments:
- Zinc flake coatings
- Ceramic coatings
- Powder-coated finishes
Contrast Table
Here’s a quick comparison table to show the contrast between the two screw types.
| Feature | Tapping Screws | Drilling Screws |
| Thread Formation | Forms threads in pre-drilled hole | Creates holes and threads in one step |
| Installation Process | Requires pilot hole | No pilot hole needed |
| Material Compatibility | Wide range (wood, plastic, soft metals) | Primarily metals and hard materials |
| Holding Power | Excellent in softer materials | Good in metals, may vary in other materials |
| Reusability | Can often be reused | Limited reusability |
| Installation Speed | Slower due to pre-drilling | Faster, especially for multiple fasteners |
| Cost | Lower per unit, higher installation cost | Higher per unit, lower installation cost |
| Application Range | Versatile across many applications | Specialized for metal and hard material use |
| Thread Design | Varies based on intended material | Optimized for metal applications |
| Head Styles | Wide variety available | Limited, often hex washer or pan head |
| Corrosion Resistance | Varies, many options are available | Often features advanced protective coatings |
Conclusion
As you can see, the choice between tapping and drilling screws depends on various factors, including your project’s specific requirements, the materials you’re working with, and your priorities regarding installation speed and holding power. Consider the factors we discussed here, and you can easily figure out which one suits your project more.
Great, Together
