The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Tek Screws

Welcome to HomeDIYer's premium Tek screws collection – your solution for fastening metal, wood, and steel. Our self-drilling and self-tapping screws eliminate the need for pre-drilling, saving you time on construction projects. Featuring corrosion-resistant stainless steel variants in sizes #8-#12 with TEK 3, TEK 5, and TEK 8 drill points, these screws penetrate materials up to 1/2 inch thick. Whether attaching metal roofing, securing wood-to-steel joints, or working with thick steel, our engineered threads provide superior grip strength. Bulk packaging options available for contractors, with compatibility for standard drill drivers. Discover why professionals choose our zinc-plated and galvanized screws for outdoor durability.

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1. What Are Tek Screws?
Tek screws (technically known as self-drilling fasteners) feature integrated drill points that create pilot holes while driving. Unlike traditional screws, they combine drilling and fastening in one step - ideal for metal-to-metal or wood-to-metal applications. The "TEK" designation (TEK 3, TEK 5, etc.) indicates drill point length and material thickness capacity.

2. Types & Applications

  • Self-Drilling Tek Screws: Perfect for HVAC and roofing (search volume: 170). Hex heads prevent cam-out during high-torque driving.
  • Stainless Steel Variants: Essential for outdoor/exterior use (110 searches). 304SS resists saltwater corrosion.
  • TEK 5 Screws: Our bestseller (720 searches) handles 3/16" steel - use with #2 Phillips impact drivers.
  • Wood-to-Metal Connectors: Coarse-thread designs (110 searches) prevent wood splitting while biting into steel studs.

3. Sizing Guide

SizeShank DiameterMax Material Thickness#80.16"1/4" (TEK 3)#100.19"3/8" (TEK 5)#120.21"1/2" (TEK 8)*Pro Tip: For 5/16 tek screws (70 searches), pair with 1/4" hex driver*

4. Installation Masterclass
Step 1: Select screw length = material thickness + 1/4" grip allowance
Step 2: Set drill RPM:

  • 3000 RPM for soft steel
  • 1500 RPM for stainless steel tek screws
    Step 3: Apply firm perpendicular pressure until flange contacts material
    Step 4: Stop immediately when head seats to prevent stripping

5. Material Compatibility

MaterialRecommended Screw TypeThin Steel (22ga)TEK 3 with pan headThick Steel (1/4")TEK 5 self drilling screwsAluminumCoated #10 tek screwsPressure-Treated WoodGalvanized tek screws

6. Professional Q&A
Q: Can tek screws be used in concrete?
A: Not recommended. Use concrete anchors instead. Their drill points dull on aggregate.

Q: What's the difference between self-drilling vs self-tapping?
A: Self-drilling screws drill their own holes; self-tapping require pilot holes but create threads.

Q: Why choose stainless over galvanized?
A: Stainless steel tek screws (110 searches) offer 10x longer corrosion resistance in coastal areas.

7. Top Products at HomeDIYer

  • Bulk #10 Self-Drivers: 1000ct for metal framing
  • Stainless TEK-5 Kit: With EPDM washers for roofing
  • Wood/Metal Combo Pack: Bugle heads for flush finishing

8. Technical Data Reference
Shear strength ratings:

  • #8 tek screws: 450 lbs
  • 5/16 tek screws: 1,200 lbs
  • TEK 5 screws: 1,800 lbs