The screw does not screw in. How to screw a self-tapping screw into various materials: important nuances of a seemingly trifling matter. Screwing a self-tapping screw into a thin metal pipe

Concrete is often used in the construction of residential buildings and industrial complexes, so when repairing, you have to work with this material. You can fix any object to a concrete wall using special screws - dowels.

It looks like a dowel - a special screw for concrete.

Description of the dowel

Self-tapping screw for concrete consists of a pointed rod and a head with a cross notch. Due to its high strength, it does not deform and does not collapse under heavy load.

Pins are made from brass, carbon steel or stainless steel. These materials are similar in strength and price characteristics. However, carbon steel is most in demand, since self-tapping screws from it are covered with a protective layer that prevents oxidation. Each type of coating has its own color, which informs about the rules of application:

Silver the layer is made of zinc, this is a universal option.
yellow protection also means zinc, but its scope is narrowed to interior work.
The black the color is an oxidized coating. It exhibits maximum protective properties only indoors with a normal level of humidity.

Screws hold various structures in concrete, such as a plastic window profile or a door frame.

How to choose self-tapping screws for concrete

Among a wide variety of fasteners, it is important to choose one that would best suit the operating conditions of the structure to be fixed. The following factors are taken into account:

The length of the rod depends on the density of the concrete and the accepted weight. The table below will help you track the appropriate sizes:

Humidity in the room. If the humidity level is high in the room where the structure is fixed, stainless steel screws coated with a galvanized layer should be chosen. Phosphated and oxidized self-tapping screws are suitable for dry rooms.

Structure and wall color. The heads of the hardware are made in different shades, which allows you to choose the color that matches the surrounding objects.

Price. The average price of standard hardware 3.5x16 ranges from 120 to 200 rubles per pack of 100 pieces. A package of 4x25 self-tapping screws costs 170 rubles. The cost is influenced by the country of manufacture, the coating option and the quality of the steel.

How to properly prepare a hole

A well-made hole is the basis for reliable fixation of self-tapping screws of any kind in concrete. The following tips will help you get it right:

Drilling must be strictly at a right angle. Any deviation from the right angle will lead to an increase in the diameter of the hole and subsequent loosening of the fastener.
The depth of the hole must match the length of the self-tapping screw (and exceed the length of the dowel) so that when screwing it in, it does not rest against a solid dead end, but is freely placed to the full depth.
After drilling, the hole must be cleaned. The accumulated dirt will not allow the dowel and self-tapping screw to enter the full length.

How to screw a self-tapping screw into concrete

To self-tapping screws for concrete high demands are made. They must withstand heavy loads and provide high fastening strength for a long time. To improve fixation, dowels are used - auxiliary elements that provide a fixed location of the self-tapping screws inside the concrete.

A dowel with a self-tapping screw inside ensures a long and reliable fastening.

A dowel is a plastic or metal sleeve equipped with petals, hooks or spikes. When screwed in, they work for thrust and firmly enter the hole. This aid is used in the following situations:

The self-tapping screw takes heavy loads, and without such help it will not last.
The screw must be fixed to porous or cellular concrete, in which fixation without a dowel is unreliable.
Objects are fixed in structures that are subject to constant vibration.

Types and application of dowels

Screw a self-tapping screw into concrete with a dowel as follows:

Prepare a hole in the wall with an electric drill or puncher. Its diameter should coincide with the cross section of the dowel, and its depth should exceed its length by 3-5 mm.
Clear the prepared channel.
Drive the dowel into the hole with a hammer.
Screw the self-tapping screw with a screwdriver or self-tapping screw into the seat.

Experienced craftsmen insert a toothpick into the dowel before screwing in the fastener - it adds strength to the fastener. If the dowel enters the hole with difficulty, do not use even more physical force, otherwise it will be damaged. Instead, you need to pull it out and widen the hole.

It is possible to screw a self-tapping screw into concrete without dowels, but even experienced craftsmen use this method extremely rarely. In this case, the fasteners are installed in the prepared holes. If the concrete is cellular, porous, it is impossible to drill it with a perforator. To facilitate screwing in, it is recommended to drop machine oil into the hole or smear the hole with it.

How to screw a self-tapping screw into concrete without a dowel

Self-tapping screws "Christmas tree"

A special type of fasteners, the threads of which are not communicating. Such screws are not screwed into the hole with a screwdriver, but are driven with a hammer, like nails. Such fasteners are installed once and for all, they cannot be unscrewed. This is their minus, but also a plus: they provide long-term, almost eternal, fixation. Another advantage of the products: ease of placement. A few strong blows are enough, and they are in place. This greatly simplifies installation.

The herringbone carving differs from the standard one in that each of its levels does not communicate with the lower or upper.

Conclusion

When repairing, it is necessary to attach various structures to concrete walls. To do this job without errors and extra effort, it is important to choose the right fasteners and prepare holes for them.

If the technology is followed, the fasteners hold the structure reliably and for a long time.

Online application

get commercial
offer free of charge.

This article is intended for those people who have very little knowledge in the use of construction tools.
We think a fairly large number of people begin their acquaintance with construction tools by buying, and only then they begin to figure out how to work with this tool. In addition, there will certainly be teenagers or women among the readers of this article who generally have no idea what a screwdriver is and what you can do with it. It is for them that we decided to write this article.

To begin with, in general terms, let's talk about what a screwdriver is. Firstly, they can be divided into two large classes: battery-powered and mains-operated. The effectiveness of these tools depends directly on the brand of the tool, but the battery ones do not depend on the presence of an outlet and the length of the wire.

For a home master, it is best to choose a cordless tool - it is more convenient and practical. Let's start with him.

Typically, cordless screwdrivers are sold in cases that, in addition to the tool itself, include a pair of batteries and a charger. When buying, it is best to immediately check the completeness of the tool and its performance in the store. It must be understood that the screwdriver is not charged from the factory, so when you bring it home, you must first charge the batteries using a charger.

After that, we insert one of the batteries into the tool and it is almost ready to work. To work, we still need to insert one more element into the cartridge - the necessary bit or drill. You can buy a set of bits and drills in the store, or you can purchase them separately, similarly for drills.

Modern screwdrivers, in addition to maybe low-power models, have the function of drilling and drilling with impact, so with their help you can also drill holes in metal and wood, as well as concrete and brick.

Before using a screwdriver, it is necessary to check the integrity of the tool. There should be no mechanical damage such as dents and cracks on the case and batteries. The instrument must not be used with such damage.

Drilling metal and wood with a screwdriver

In order to make a hole in metal or wood, it is necessary to put an appropriate drill in the chuck. For wood, if necessary, a drill for metal is also suitable. After that, you need to set the desired mode - drilling. This is done using the rotary part of the tool, located immediately behind the screwdriver chuck. On the symbols located on the body of the screwdriver, find the image of the drill and align the turning part (arrow) with its image. In this case, the screwdriver will switch to the electric drill mode. This mode must be used with caution. The fact is that the tool turns off the so-called ratchet (protection of the engine from excessive force on the shaft). If the drill jams, the motor may burn out.

Next, we attach the drill to the drilling point and press the start button. During drilling, it is important to hold the screwdriver perpendicular to the drilling axis. Due to misalignment of the drill, especially in hard material, the drill may break off. We drill harder materials at low speeds, and soft materials, such as wood, at high speeds. By the way, if the screwdriver has a speed switch button (usually two speeds), then it is best to drill at the second speed. In the process of drilling, the pressing force is controlled independently. Unfortunately, it is difficult to explain this in words, so you can determine this parameter in the course of practice.

Drilling concrete and stone with a screwdriver

To drill holes in concrete and stone, we need a special drill with a pobedit tip. Usually everyone uses a drill with a diameter of 6 mm, which fits most plastic dowels for self-tapping screws. You should not take a thicker drill - it's just that the power of the screwdriver is not intended for this - a puncher is needed here.

Before drilling, we transfer the screwdriver to the drilling mode with a fight, similarly to that described above. To do this, we combine the guide arrow with the image of a drill from segments or a drill and a hammer (depending on the brand of the tool). As in the previous case, we hold the tool perpendicular to the drilling axis. It is not necessary to press the tool very hard during the drilling process, although it should be sufficient to gradually deepen the drill. We periodically loosen the pressure and even remove the drill from the hole to remove drilling products (dust).

Tightening screws, self-tapping screws and bolts with a screwdriver

And finally, we come to the main purpose of screwdrivers - screwdriving (from which its name follows). Each screwdriver (on the turning part) has a number of numbers around the circumference: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. They denote the tightening moment in newtons. The thicker the screw or self-tapping screw and the harder the material in which it is wrapped, this figure should be larger. To screw, for example, roofing self-tapping screws into metal, a force of 12–14 N is usually sufficient.

For screwing standard self-tapping screws into wood, 8 N is enough. Again, this force is selected individually for each type of screw and base material. It is better to start tightening a new type of self-tapping screws to set the value of the force to a smaller value, then you can add force and tighten it. But if you immediately put a lot of effort, then you can twist the screw, which will lead to breaking off the head of the screw, or twisting (the screw or screw will push through the material to be fixed).

Depending on the head of the self-tapping screw or screw, you will need a variety of bits. For standard PZ2 bit screws, for small PZ1 bit screws, but for roofing screws, an 8 mm head. Also, with the help of a screwdriver it is very convenient to assemble cabinet furniture. If you have a bit for confirmation (Euroscrew), then the furniture assembly speed will increase several times. In addition, it will do without mazols on the fingers from manually twisting a large number of confirmations.

The mode of wrapping self-tapping screws and screws has one very good property. If the base material is too hard and the screw jams during tightening, the so-called ratchet will work. A special mechanism will stop the transmission of rotation from the engine to the bit, which will prevent damage to it. All this is accompanied by a characteristic crack. You shouldn't be afraid of him.

By the way, in the twisting mode, you can easily drill a tree without changing the mode, the drill passes quite easily. If the force on the tool is not enough to drive the self-tapping screw into a hard material, experienced craftsmen switch the screwdriver to drilling mode and tighten the self-tapping screw. But we do not recommend doing this, since you can simply burn out the electric motor without the necessary experience.

During tightening, it is necessary to press the bit against the head of the screw with sufficient force so that the bit does not slip. If edge slippage occurs, the bits stick together and it fails.

At the end of the article, we note that it is best to store an electric screwdriver in a dry, heated room. Humidity will cause the contacts of the tool to oxidize and it may fail. Screwdriver batteries must be stored in a charged state. So they will last much longer. If the batteries no longer hold a charge, then in the service centers you can always order new ones.

We hope our instructions have helped you in your work and have been useful.

The modern market for building fasteners offers the buyer a wide selection of self-tapping screws - so necessary for any repair of products. However, the reviews about these "little helpers" are not always flattering.

The thing is that home craftsmen often do not know how to properly screw in a screw and how to choose it correctly in general.

Types of self-tapping screws

There are two main types of self-tapping screws used for self-repair - for wood and universal. Their main difference is in the thread pitch - "screws" for wood are characterized by a large pitch (more rare application of threads).

There is a misconception that universal parts are just as good for wood, plywood and chipboard as specialized ones. No, of course, screwing them into these materials will not be difficult, but how well they will stay there is a big question. The fact is that the “raw material” into which the self-tapping screw is “immersed” must lie securely in the grooves of the thread, and the structure of the wood will not allow it to be qualitatively located in the narrow “grooves” of the universal self-tapping screw.

Self-tapping tools

Fasteners may have caps of different sizes and recesses in them of various shapes and sizes. Therefore, before screwing in a self-tapping screw, make sure that you have a screwdriver or a screwdriver with a suitable nozzle in your arsenal. In general, it is better to have nozzles for the corresponding tools, as they say, to the maximum. Plus, they should be replaced regularly, since wear of devices during operation cannot be avoided.

Note! The best nozzles are those made of tool steel with hardening additives. Don't opt for the first set that comes across, otherwise after a couple of days of intensive work you will have to go for a new one.

If your plans include wrapping one or two self-tapping screws into a non-solid surface, then you can work with a screwdriver. If more - you can not do without a screwdriver. Tightening fasteners with a screwdriver is not as simple an operation as it might seem at first glance, and requires some skill. A screwdriver will do everything quickly and efficiently.

General technology for screwing screws

Using an awl, make a small indentation in the place reserved for the self-tapping screw. Install the product in position. With careful but sure movements, turn the part until it is well deepened and fixed in the material. After that, the force can be increased. Toward the end of the “process”, the speed must be reduced again - so as not to damage the self-tapping screw.

How to screw self-tapping screws into different materials?

Many men, not knowing how to screw a screw into concrete, spoil a sufficient number of purchased parts. In fact, everything is quite simple: self-tapping screws are “integrated” into concrete with the help of dowels - durable plastic “tubes”. First, a hole is made in the material, a dowel is installed there, which “accepts” the fastener.

Worth knowing! Craftsmen advise lubricating the dowels with glue before installation. This, in their opinion, strengthens the connections.

Drilling holes in concrete should be done exclusively with a hammer drill - even an impact drill may not withstand, let alone a conventional one. Self-tapping screws are suitable for both wood and universal.

Brick, ceramic tiles, screed

Self-tapping screws are screwed into these environments in the same way as into concrete. The only thing is that it is better to take a regular drill to work with tiles, as it can crack from the excessive power of the puncher.

Copper, bronze, aluminum

Measure the shank diameter of the fastener excluding threads. This manipulation must be performed with a caliper. Install the pointed jaws perpendicular to the self-tapping screw and clamp the product so that they completely penetrate the thread groove; determine the diameter. Using a drill with a diameter one and a half millimeters smaller than the value obtained, make a hole in the material. Screw the screw into the hole - and the job is done. Use parts with universal thread.

Note! Before "perforating" the main structure, it is recommended to test the drill on a small unnecessary piece of similar material. Drill a hole and try to screw the product into it. The drill is considered correctly selected if the self-tapping screw passes into the hole tight enough, but does not jam. In the event that the screw fails to "break through", you should work with a thicker drill. Too light twisting of the part symbolizes that you need to take a thinner drill - otherwise the self-tapping screw can pop out at any moment.

The hole in the material should be equal to or slightly larger than the unthreaded bar diameter. Self-tapping screws will not be able to cope with a number of hard metals - in particular, it is almost impossible to screw these fasteners into cast iron.

Not every plastic is ready to accept a self-tapping screw, so making sure that the material fits exactly before starting work will not be superfluous. The technology for screwing a self-tapping screw into plastic is the same as for soft metals - copper, aluminum, bronze. Recommended products - with wood carvings.

Wood, fiberboard and chipboard

Don't know how to screw a self-tapping screw into a board? Believe me, there is nothing easier. The basic rule is to use only wood screws. For hardwoods, thin boards, chipboard, fiberboard, pre-drilling a hole for the product is mandatory, since there is a risk of splitting the material with a self-tapping screw. For thick softwood boards, this manipulation can be dispensed with.

If you are working:

with hardwood - choose a drill with a diameter equal to the diameter of the self-tapping rod (naturally, without thread);
with fiberboard - 1 millimeter less;
with chipboard or soft wood - 2-3 millimeters less.

Mark points on the sheet with a pencil. The optimal step between the screws is up to 70 centimeters, depending on the expected loads on the structure. If you use a screwdriver, you can start screwing the product at maximum speed. After the screw enters the surface by ½, it is recommended to gradually reduce the speed to the minimum. When tightening with a conventional screwdriver, all movements should be smooth. It is very important to tighten the self-tapping screw correctly - ideally, it should be 1 millimeter below the level of the cardboard, not plaster! This will ensure maximum strength of the future design. If you suddenly did not follow the technology and broke through the cardboard, the “ill-fated” place needs to be puttied, and a new fastener should be placed at a distance of 5-9 centimeters from it.

The type of self-tapping screws for drywall must be selected depending on the material used in the installation of the crate. For a metal frame, universal self-tapping screws or for metal are required, for a wooden crate - wood products.

How to tighten the screwed out screw?

The unscrewed part must be re-twisted exactly as it stood before. It is very important that the self-tapping screw enters the same groove, at the same angle. If the product “draws” a “new path” for itself, the reliability of fastening will be significantly reduced. How to get into an already existing recess? Simply insert the part into the hole and turn it by hand without pressure. As soon as everything falls into place, you will feel it - the process will go like clockwork. You do not need to press on a tight-fitting self-tapping screw, you just need to remove it and try again. A small effort is required only at the very end of screwing.

Now you know how to screw a self-tapping screw into drywall, concrete, brick, wood and metals correctly and what to do in case of "work hitches".

1. Types of self-tapping screws
2. What can be fixed with self-tapping screws?
2.1 Drywall
2.2 Metal
2.3 Tree
2.4 Concrete
3. Video

When carrying out construction work, you can not do without tightening the screws. Without a doubt, many types of work have been greatly simplified after the introduction of this fastener. And, it would seem, there are no “dark spots” in this matter, the self-tapping screw is simply screwed into the surface of the material with some tool. However, everything is somewhat more complicated than it might seem at first glance, after learning how to screw in a screw, you will understand that this process requires a separate and detailed consideration.

Types of self-tapping screws

To begin with, it is worth deciding what a self-tapping screw is. So among people is called a self-tapping screw. The bottom line is that when it is twisted into any surface, it cuts the thread itself, which ensures its reliable retention in the material. Depending on the design features, as well as the materials of manufacture, self-tapping screws can be divided into several types.

By wood. These fasteners are made of steel, the strength of which is sufficient for working with wood, and the external thread has a large pitch.
For metal. Such self-tapping screws are made of steel, and the finished product is hardened. Its carving has a much smaller pitch than a wood screw.
By concrete. Here it is necessary to make a reservation that the self-tapping screw can be screwed into foam concrete blocks (and the like), although there will be nothing positive about the quality of such fastening due to the low density of the material. Self-tapping screws for monolithic concrete have not yet been invented!

Anchors are not self-tapping screws, so to work with them, a hole is pre-drilled in concrete into which it is inserted. Actuating the screw mechanism causes the anchor to expand.

In addition, self-tapping screws differ in the shape and design of the cap. Depending on this, a bit should also be selected, with the help of which screwing will occur. The point is that if this is not done, then if the self-tapping screw encounters an obstacle when screwing in, then the bit, instead of slipping out of the screw head, will turn it and break it. Or, if this does not happen, then the edges on the beat will break. In any case, this is not pleasant. That is why before you tighten the screw, you need to pay attention to the matching of the cap and bits.

As for the screwing process itself, it must be said here that the technological features will differ depending on the material into which the screw is screwed.

What can be fixed with screws?

We will consider each option for fastening with self-tapping screws of a particular material separately.

Drywall

When you have to fix drywall sheets, it is important to know some of the features that accompany this process.

First of all, it must be said that it is necessary to choose self-tapping screws for screwing into drywall, based on the material of manufacture of the crate. If it is made of wood, then wood screws will be needed. If metal, then the use of self-tapping screws for metal will be required.
It is necessary to start screwing the screws into the drywall at high speeds of the screwdriver. After the self-tapping screw enters the profile, the speed must be reduced and the drywall must be pressed at minimum speed. Ideally, the head of the screw should be located a millimeter deeper than the cardboard. So the attachment point will be as strong as possible. Do not allow the cardboard layer to be punched through. If this happens, the hole must be puttied and at a distance of several centimeters from the unsuccessful fastening, tighten another self-tapping screw.

Drywall is not a strong material to which you can attach something with self-tapping screws. Therefore, only the fastening of the drywall itself is considered.

Metal

When you need to screw a self-tapping screw into metal, you need to carry out a number of preparatory measures.

First you need to measure the diameter of the axis of the self-tapping screw. For these purposes, it is necessary to use a caliper. It is important to remember that you need to measure the diameter without taking into account the height of the thread.
After that, you need to use a drill, 1–1.5 mm less than the diameter of the screw rod, to drill a hole in the material. To achieve the best result, you can practice on blanks made of a similar material. Ideally, the self-tapping screw should be screwed in tightly, but not wedged in the hole.
Screwing should be carried out at medium speeds of the tool, evenly and with a slight pressure on the self-tapping screw.

If the self-tapping screw is twisted into thick metal, then the hole is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the self-tapping screw.

Wood

If you want to screw a self-tapping screw into a wooden surface, then there will be a little less work than in previous cases. This is due to the properties of the material. However, in general, the stages of work are the same as in the case of, for example, metal.

First, a preliminary hole is drilled slightly smaller in diameter than the self-tapping screw.
A self-tapping screw is screwed into this hole at medium speeds of the tool.

In principle, there is nothing complicated, since it is much easier to screw a self-tapping screw into a tree than, for example, into metal.

Concrete

As for how to screw a screw into concrete, there are concrete screws for this purpose. If you drill a hole under them with a drill with a diameter of 6.5 mm, then they are screwed in and perfectly hold everything that they have secured.

An ordinary self-tapping screw for wood or metal simply will not hold there by itself, not to mention the fact that it is simply impossible to screw it in.

Also, fastening to concrete is possible with the help of additional fasteners - dowels.

First, a hole for the dowel is drilled.
A dowel is driven into the hole.
A self-tapping screw is screwed into the dowel.

The procedure is quite simple, but requires some skill and experience. Self-tapping screws and dowels should be selected in close relationship with each other.

Anchors are used to obtain a stronger fastening.

As for the general rules on how to properly screw in a self-tapping screw, regardless of the material, it should be said that, first of all, you need to make sure that the fasteners are screwed in at an angle of 90 degrees. Overlapping must not be allowed. This will cause both additional difficulties when twisting, and less strong retention of it in the surface. And in the case of metal, it will completely lead to breakage of the self-tapping screw, which in turn will cause the entire fastening to be unusable. The speed of rotation of the drill or screwdriver must also be controlled.

However, knowing and observing the above rules for carrying out work and some technological aspects of their implementation, you can avoid most of the likely problems and carry out all the work yourself, quickly and efficiently, as befits a real master.

Video

Is it possible to tighten a self-tapping screw without tools? Get the answer by watching the video.

Among the self-tapping screws, there are two main types, which are determined by the thread pitch:

universal screws.

The first is characterized by a larger thread pitch. The threads in its manufacture are applied less frequently. Some mistakenly believe that universal self-tapping screws are suitable for working with wood, plywood, chipboard, fiberboard. This is only partially acceptable. It is possible to screw a universal self-tapping screw or screw into a wooden surface, which is essentially the same thing, of course, but it will hold on there worse than a specialized one, i.e. designed for wood. The material where the self-tapping screw is screwed must fit securely into the groove of the thread. The viscosity of the wood will not allow to lie securely in the groove of the universal self-tapping screw, since this groove is very narrow. In this regard, it is still recommended to use specialized types of wood screws for all wooden surfaces.

Self-tapping screws are available with a variety of cap sizes. In addition, the geometry of the screwdriver recess is also different. Self-tapping screws are offered with a recess for:

crosshead screwdriver,
flat screwdriver
a special screwdriver
keys.

The cruciform recesses also vary in size and shape. In connection with such a rich assortment, you have to have not just a screwdriver, but a screwdriver or a screwdriver with special interchangeable nozzles, which allows you to screw in screws of any kind and type without any problems. It is desirable to have the maximum number of such nozzles.

nozzles

During operation, the nozzles wear out, and they need to be updated periodically, otherwise it will be painfully difficult to carry out the process of tightening the screw. When choosing nozzles, be sure to pay attention to what material they are made of. It is better to purchase models from special tool steels, in which hardening additives are added during production.

There are a lot of nozzle manufacturers, so only with experience will you understand which one is most suitable for you. The reserve of most attachments is only enough for one working day if you need to operate them thoroughly and continuously. Having found a suitable option, purchase several sets from the same batch in advance. When buying a set for the first time, be sure to check all the nozzles for their compliance with the head of your self-tapping screw. One of them will seem to you the most suitable, so do not stop at the first try.

It is allowed to wrap self-tapping screws with a screwdriver with an electric drive or a battery, or with a screwdriver. For one-time work, it is quite possible to get by with a screwdriver with nozzles, but if you need to constantly screw in screws, a screwdriver is unlikely to suit you. Even a few screws are already easier to tighten with a screwdriver. Screwing in with a screwdriver is a complicated operation. It will require skill and effort. Having a good screwdriver, you can not be afraid of any screws and wrap them easily, simply and quickly, and exactly where you have planned.

Screwdriver selection

Having chosen all the same a screwdriver, and not a screwdriver, be sure to check whether it is convenient to hold it in your hand. All screwdrivers have handles of different shapes and sizes. It is best to choose a handle made of wood or rubber, and thick enough. Never take a tree covered with varnish. Plastic is an unfortunate option for a screwdriver handle because it slips in your hand. Currently, soft plastics have begun to appear on sale, which are close to rubber in their properties. In any case, be sure to hold it in your hand, because it should be convenient for you to work with it.

Screwdriver selection

In the event that you decide to choose a screwdriver, decide whether it will be a cordless model or not. For intensive work, cheap and standard cordless screwdrivers are hardly suitable. They are not designed for long periods of inactivity, and will require you to constantly manually operate the battery in order to avoid overcharging. Since it is rarely possible to keep track of the battery charge, it is usually enough to carry out from 30 to 50 cycles.

Assuming to work with a cordless screwdriver all the time, it is better to purchase a professional cordless model, or choose a non-cordless tool that is powered by the mains. In fact, the latter is an ordinary drill, but equipped with a number of additional functions. Such a tool on sale can be found under the name "drill" and under the name "screwdriver".

Most importantly, make sure that the model you choose has a gearbox. It is designed to adjust the rotation speed that is required during operation and depends on the degree of trigger pull. The indicator of the minimum speed - from 0.5 rpm./sec. Also, the selected model should have a reverse, since sometimes it is necessary to unscrew the screws during dismantling.

The modern market of building fasteners offers the buyer a wide selection of self-tapping screws - so necessary for any repair of products. However, the reviews about these "little helpers" are not always flattering.

The thing is that home craftsmen often do not know how to properly screw in a screw and how to choose it correctly in general.

Types of self-tapping screws

Self-tapping tools

Note! The best nozzles are those made of tool steel with hardening additives. Don't opt for the first set that comes across, otherwise after a couple of days of intensive work you will have to go for a new one.

General technology for screwing screws

How to screw self-tapping screws into different materials?

Concrete

Worth knowing! Craftsmen advise lubricating the dowels with glue before installation. This, in their opinion, strengthens the connections.

Brick, ceramic tiles, screed

Copper, bronze, aluminum

Measure the shank diameter of the fastener excluding threads. This manipulation must be performed with a caliper. Install the pointed jaws perpendicular to the self-tapping screw and clamp the product so that they completely penetrate the thread groove; determine the diameter. Using a drill with a diameter one and a half millimeters smaller than the value obtained, make a hole in the material. Screw a self-tapping screw into the hole - and the job is done. Use parts with universal thread.

Note! Before "perforating" the main structure, it is recommended to test the drill on a small unnecessary piece of similar material. Drill a hole and try to screw the product into it. The drill is considered correctly selected if the self-tapping screw passes into the hole tight enough, but does not jam. In the event that the screw fails to "break through", you should work with a thicker drill. Too light twisting of the part symbolizes that you need to take a thinner drill - otherwise the self-tapping screw can pop out at any moment.

hard metals

Plastic

Wood, fiberboard and chipboard

Don't know how to screw a self-tapping screw into a board? Believe me, there is nothing easier. The main rule is to use only wood screws. For hardwoods, thin boards, chipboard, fiberboard, pre-drilling a hole for the product is mandatory, since there is a risk of splitting the material with a self-tapping screw. For thick softwood boards, this manipulation can be dispensed with.

If you are working:

with hardwood - choose a drill with a diameter equal to the diameter of the self-tapping rod (naturally, without thread);
with fiberboard - 1 millimeter less;
with chipboard or soft wood - 2-3 millimeters less.

Drywall

The type of self-tapping screws for drywall must be selected depending on the material used in the installation of the crate. For a metal frame, universal or metal screws are required, for a wooden crate - wood products.

How to tighten the screwed out screw?

Now you know how to screw a self-tapping screw into drywall, concrete, brick, wood and metals correctly and what to do in case of "work hitches".

Before you work with screws, you need to accurately determine their number. In addition, you need to choose a tool that will carry out work on screwing in screws.

The exact number of screws for work is not difficult to calculate. After that, you need to go to any hardware store and purchase the right amount of hardware. In any hardware store there is a wide range of such products, however, self-tapping screws are sold most often by weight. Our calculation of self-tapping screws will help to find a correspondence between weight and quantity, as well as calculate the acquisition costs. In addition, do not forget that you need to purchase the right type of screws. They are for wood and universal. Although universal self-tapping screws can also be easily screwed into wood, it is still recommended not to do this, since the small grooves of such self-tapping screws, given the viscosity of the wood, will not guarantee that the fastener will hold long enough.

Now you need to choose a tool for mounting screws. It is worth noting that the caps of self-tapping screws can have not only different sizes, but also different depressions for screwdrivers. These recesses can be not only for a flat or Phillips screwdriver, but also for a special type of screwdrivers and keys. If you dig even deeper, it turns out that the cross depressions can have different shapes and sizes.

So, in order not to have problems with the installation of such hardware as a self-tapping screw, you must have either a suitable screwdriver or a screwdriver with an impressive set of interchangeable nozzles. It must be remembered that during the operation of the screwdriver, its nozzles will wear out, so you need to take care of their regular replacement. Moreover, it is better not to wait until the nozzle breaks, but to replace it in advance, since a breakdown can take you by surprise at the most inopportune moment for this. Nozzles also need to be chosen correctly. The nozzles made of tool steel with various hardening additives will serve the longest. Nozzles must be carefully selected and be sure to try on the head of the hardware. Don't take the first one that comes along. It is better to try on everything, and then make a choice.

The choice between a screwdriver and a screwdriver is obvious if you need to work with a large number of self-tapping screws. If the work is simple, consisting in mounting several hardware, then you can use a screwdriver. The main thing is that it should be comfortable and have a thick wooden or rubberized handle. In other cases, it is better to take a screwdriver. It is very easy and fast to tighten the screw with them. When choosing a screwdriver, you need to consider that there are two types of these devices. There are electric screwdrivers and cordless screwdrivers. It is better to refrain from purchasing a cheap cordless screwdriver, because it is completely unsuitable for long work. Such devices do not like long downtime, and they often lack battery charging control. Therefore, if you choose a screwdriver, then you should either look towards expensive professional battery solutions, or simply buy a device powered by the mains.