Tek screws, also known as self-drilling screws, have a cutting point like a drill bit meaning you don’t need to drill a pilot hole. This speeds up projects and makes it easy to fasten different materials together, such as metal to wood.

Tek screws are a popular choice in the metal cladding industry, for roofing jobs, and also in mechanical engineering. All you need is your normal power drill or electric screwdriver to use them, but you may need a Tek screw adaptor for some types, such as those with hexagonal heads or moulded plastic heads.

Take a look at our wide range of Tek screws and accessories.

tek screws

What are Tek screws used for?

As Tek screws don’t require any pre-drilling they’re a popular choice for a variety of jobs as you can use them for fastening different types of materials quickly and easily. You can use them to self-drill into metal sheets, steel, timber, wood, composite and other materials.

The design of each type of Tek screw is specific to their purpose, some even have built-in rubber bonded washers to provide a watertight seal.

How strong are Tek screws?

This depends on the type of Tek screw, it’s length, quality, the type of force it’s supporting, and how you’ve used it.

As a guide, larger Tek screws, numbers three and above, can penetrate 12-25 gauge metals. For 16-25 you will need to use Tek 3, and for anything 14 gauge and below you will require Tek 4-5. Usually the higher the Tek number the longer the drill point, which helps it go into thicker metal.

Manufacturers use hardened steel to make Tek screws so that they’re harder than the metal they’re built to penetrate.

How to use Tek screws

As one of the main features of a Tek screw is the drill head you don’t need to pre-drill a pilot hole, you can just get to work. That said, some users still choose to drill a pilot hole to further protect the material. If you do pre-drill, make sure the pilot hole stays smaller than the Tek screw so that it will catch.

You want to screw them in slowly and make sure they’re straight as always. Also make sure you don’t overtighten them to avoid damaging the head, this will allow you to remove them if you need to.

Why is it called a Tek screw?

A company called Buildex created the original self-drilling screws and called them Tek screws. Tek was the brand name. The industry now recognises that name for self-drilling screws in general from all manufacturers.

As with all great inventions, there are now a range of options from different companies with varying features and quality.

Tek screws for roofing, steel, timber, composite, cement and more

At Fastco we stock all types of Tek screw, such as stitchers, timber Tek screws, composite panel Tek Screws, fibre cement Tek screws, light and heavy section Tek screws, from a range of manufacturers and with free delivery available on all orders over £30.

We also have a range of Tek screw adapters and push on colour caps for you to choose from.

View our full range of Tek screws and accessories here.

You can order direct from the website, email sales@fastco.co.uk or call us on 01270 252326 to place your order.