Understanding Wood Tek Screw Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

TEK screws are self-drilling screws commonly used for metal-to-metal or metal-to-wood connections. They are available in a variety of sizes, with different head styles and finishes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. TEK screws are typically used in thin metal applications, such as working with steel studs, and can be made from materials including steel and stainless steel. The length of the drill point on a TEK screw determines how thick of a material it can drill through, with longer drill points accommodating thicker metals. TEK screws are designed to drill, tap, and fasten metal to metal or wood in one operation, without the need for pre-drilling.

Self-drilling wood-to-metal TEK screws

TEK screws are self-drilling fasteners designed to efficiently attach wood to metal without the need for pre-drilling. They are ideal for projects that require secure fastening between wood and metal, such as attaching roof or subfloor decking, trailer beds to frames, and wood headers to steel frames.

Features and Benefits:

• Efficiency: TEK screws eliminate the need for pre-drilling, saving time and effort during installation.
• Strong Holding Power: These screws provide a secure and tight hold between wood and metal surfaces.
• Corrosion Resistance: TEK screws are often corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for exterior applications and ensuring long-lasting performance.
• One-Motion Operation: With the ability to drill, tap, and fasten in one motion, TEK screws streamline the fastening process.
• Special Wing Design: The wings ream a hole in the wood, preventing thread engagement during drilling and ensuring a smooth fastening process.
• Head Styles: TEK screws come in various head styles, such as the flat head design that countersinks and seats flush in wood, and the wafer head design with a large bearing surface ideal for plywood.
• Drill Point and Flute: Efficiently removes material and properly sizes the hole for self-tapping threads.
• Compatibility: TEK screws are compatible with ACQ-treated wood, making them versatile for different types of projects.

Sizes and Specifications:

TEK screws come in different sizes and specifications to suit various applications:

• Diameter/Thread Form: 10-24, 12-14, 1/4-20.
• Head Style: Socket Wafer Head (SW) and Philips Flat Head (PFH).
• Drill Point: Teks 3 and Teks 4.
• Finish: Electro-zinc or Grey Specx Coating for corrosion resistance and lower tapping torque.

Self-drilling wood screws for roofing

Self-drilling wood screws are a convenient option for roofing projects, eliminating the need for pre-drilling and streamlining the installation process. These screws are designed to efficiently drill into wood and metal substrates, providing a secure and long-lasting hold.

TEK Screws for Roofing

TEK screws, such as the Plymetal screws from The Home Depot, are purpose-built for roofing applications. These self-drilling screws allow you to drill, tap, and fasten metal to wood in a single motion. This type of screw is corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for exterior use and ensuring the longevity of your roofing project.

TIMBER-Tite™ Self-Drilling Screws

For fixing metal roofing sheets or wall claddings to timber, BDN Fasteners offers TIMBER-Tite™ self-tapping screws. These screws are designed with sharp points to easily penetrate timber, and they come in a range of lengths to cater to different roofing requirements. The longer versions are ideal for crest fixing, while the shorter versions are meant for valley fixing. This distinction is important to prevent water pooling and potential rust issues.

Considerations for Self-Drilling Wood Screws

When selecting self-drilling wood screws for roofing, it's crucial to choose the right type and size to avoid damage to your materials. Consider the thickness of the materials you're working with and choose screws that are long enough to provide a secure hold. Additionally, look for features like corrosion-resistant coatings, especially if the screws will be exposed to the elements.

Examples of Self-Drilling Roofing Screws

• Chestnut Brown Painted Galvanized Self-drilling Roofing Screws: Used on the overlap part of the panels, providing a consistent weather-tight seal.
• Silver Powder Coating Self-drilling Roofing Screws: Designed for securing thin-gauge metal roofing panels to wood structures, offering superior corrosion resistance and exterior protection.
• White Painted Galvanized Self-drilling Roofing Screws: Feature a colour-coated fastener head to match the panel colour and a built-in neoprene washer for a water-tight seal.

Self-drilling wood screws for trailers

Self-drilling wood screws are ideal for securing trailer floors, roofing, and subfloor decking without the need for pre-drilling. These screws are designed to drill, tap, and fasten metal to wood in one motion, making them a convenient and efficient choice for your trailer projects.

When choosing self-drilling wood screws for trailers, it's important to consider the type of head, length, and corrosion resistance. Flat-head self-drilling screws are commonly available and provide a flush finish to your project. The length of the screws will depend on the thickness of the materials you are fastening together, with standard lengths ranging from 2 inches to 4 inches.

For exterior applications, it's crucial to select self-drilling screws that are corrosion-resistant. This will ensure the longevity of your trailer's structure. Look for screws with a corrosion-resistant coating, such as the Grey Spex coating, which is specifically designed to work well with treated lumber.

Self-drilling wood screws for flatbeds

Self-drilling wood screws are ideal for flatbeds, trailers, or fastening wood to steel. They are designed with self-drilling wings that bore through wood and then break off once they contact metal. This makes them perfect for applications where wood needs to be fastened to mild steel or aluminium.

Teks Phillips Flat-Head Self-Drilling Screws

The Teks Phillips Flat-Head Self-Drilling Screws are available in a 40-pack and measure 12 2-3/4 inches. These screws are corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for exterior use. They can be used to secure trailer, roofing, and subfloor decking without the need for pre-drilling. The Teks Plymetal Drill, Tap and Fasten Metal to Wood feature allows you to drill, tap, and fasten metal to wood in one motion.

Reamer Tek Torx/Star Head Self-Drilling Screws

The Reamer Tek Torx/Star Head Self-Drilling Screws are designed for flatbeds, trailers, or fastening wood to steel. They are available in various sizes and quantities, including:

• #10 x 1-5/8" (1-pound, 5-pound, or bulk)
• #12 x 2" (1-pound, 5-pound, or bulk)
• #12 x 2-1/2" (1-pound, 5-pound, or bulk)
• #14 x 2-3/4" (1-pound, 5-pound, bulk, or full box)
• #14 x 3-1/4" (1-pound, 5-pound, or bulk)
• #14 x 4" (1-pound, 5-pound, or bulk)

These screws are made of high-quality treated steel and feature deep, wide, and sharp threads that provide maximum holding power. They are corrosion-resistant and have passed 1200 hours of salt spray testing without coating failures. The countersinking head provides a neat and clean finished look while securely holding the material in place.

Self-drilling wood screws for thin metal

Self-drilling wood screws, also known as Tek screws, are designed for efficient and convenient fastening. They combine drilling and fastening capabilities into a single screw, eliminating the need for pre-drilling. This makes them an excellent choice for various applications, including construction projects, metal fabrication, and electrical work.

When it comes to thin metal, self-drilling wood screws are a perfect choice. They are designed to easily drill through thin metal sheets and secure them to wood or other materials. The self-drilling point creates a clean and precise hole, ensuring a strong connection that can withstand vibrations and pulling forces.

These screws are typically made of steel and feature a zinc coating for corrosion resistance. They come in various sizes and lengths, allowing you to choose the right screw based on your specific requirements. For example, you can find screws with a diameter of #8, #10, #12, or #14, and lengths ranging from 1-1/4" to 4".

When purchasing self-drilling wood screws for thin metal, consider the type of drive. The most common types are Phillips and Torx drives, each offering unique advantages. Phillips drives are widely available and suitable for most applications, while Torx drives provide more torque and are ideal for applications requiring high precision and secure fastening.

Frequently asked questions