Buy Self Tapping Screws Online in Australia
Self-Tapping Screw Selection — Quick Reference
Self-tapping screws = CUT THEIR OWN THREADS in pre-drilled pilot hole — sheet metal + thin material + plastic + fastening without separate tap. Type 17 (self-drilling) + Type AB/B (thread-cutting) + machine screw types.
| Self-Tap Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Type 17 (Self-Drilling) | Sheet metal + steel framing — drill + tap in one screw |
| Type A (Coarse Thread) | Soft metals + sheet metal up to 1.5mm |
| Type B (Sharp Point) | Through harder thin sheet metal |
| Type AB (Combined) | Versatile sheet metal use |
| Thread-Forming (Type F) | Plastic + soft material — displaces, no chip |
| Hex Head | Wrench drive — visible head OK |
| Pan Head Phillips | Cabinet + general — visible head |
| Countersunk Head | Flush mount — see countersunk screws |
| Wing Type (Timber-to-Steel) | Attaching timber to steel — auger wings drill timber |
| Stainless 304 / 316 | Outdoor + corrosion + marine |
| Zinc-Plated / Galvanised | Indoor + general use |
Critical: Match TYPE to MATERIAL — wrong type = stripped + slow drive + screw breakage. Type 17 for steel; Type F for plastic. Match THREAD diameter to PILOT hole spec. Brands: Bremick, Hobson, Inox World. Companion: fasteners, self-drilling screws, self-tapping screws guide.
Self-Tapping Screws — Sheet Metal, Self-Drilling & Type 17 Screws
Self-tapping screws cut their own thread in the mating material during installation — eliminating the need for a pre-tapped hole. AIMS Industrial sells self-tapping screws for sheet metal (thread-forming and thread-cutting), self-drilling tek screws (drill and tap in one step), and type 17 timber screws — in zinc-plated, galvanised, and stainless steel for construction, fabrication, and maintenance applications.
Self-Tapping Screws We Stock
- Type A/AB Sheet Metal Screws: Type A and AB self-tapping screws for thin sheet metal — the tapered thread-forming profile cuts into metal sheet as the screw is driven, creating thread without pre-drilling (in thin gauge) or after pilot drilling (in heavier gauge). Phillips or hex head, zinc-plated, in the standard sheet metal screw size range.
- Self-Drilling (Tek) Screws: Tek screws combine a drill point that creates the clearance hole, a forming section that taps the thread, and a standard thread that clamps the joint — all in a single operation without a pre-drilled hole. Hex head with EPDM washer for roofing and cladding; wafer head and pan head for purlin and structural cold-form steel applications.
- Type 17 (Bugle Head) Timber Screws: Type 17 screws have a patent-style point that cuts through timber fibres without pre-drilling — reducing timber splitting on dry timber boards. Bugle head for flush installation in decking and structural timber. Zinc-plated and class 4 galvanised variants for outdoor and structural applications.
- Stainless Steel Self-Tapping Screws: 316 stainless steel self-tapping screws and tek screws for corrosive environments — food processing cladding, marine structures, and coastal industrial buildings where zinc-plated fasteners would corrode through the service life.
Self-Tapping Screw Selection Guide
- Drill Point Rating for Tek Screws: Tek screw drill points are rated by the steel thickness they can drill through without a pilot hole — typically rated #2 to #5 by steel gauge capacity. Match the drill point rating to the total steel thickness being penetrated to ensure the drill point does not blunt before the thread engages.
- Zinc-Plated vs Galvanised for Outdoor Use: Zinc-plated self-tapping screws are suitable for interior and protected applications. For outdoor, structural, and exposed applications, use Class 3 or Class 4 (hot-dip or zinc-aluminium coated) self-tapping screws, with Class 4 required for aggressive or coastal environments, per AS 3566.
- Pilot Hole in Heavier Gauge Sheet: Self-tapping screws have a maximum material gauge they can tap without a pilot hole. In heavier gauge sheet, drilling a pilot hole equal to the screw minor diameter before installation improves drive quality and reduces the risk of screw head cam-out.
Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.
Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.
See our full fasteners range including machine screws, hex head screws, and masonry screw anchors.