I Tested Self Tapping Bolts for Steel: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first encountered the challenge of joining steel components efficiently, I quickly realized how crucial the right fasteners are to the job. That’s when I discovered the incredible versatility of self tapping bolts for steel. These fasteners have revolutionized the way I approach construction and metalwork, offering a reliable, time-saving solution that doesn’t compromise on strength. In this article, I want to share why self tapping bolts have become an essential part of my toolkit and how they continue to transform steel assembly projects across industries.
I Tested The Self Tapping Bolts For Steel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Small Parts 3716FSWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, 3/8″-16 Thread Size, 1″ Length (Pack of 10)
Small Parts 37203W Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Type 23, 3/8″-16 Thread Size, 1-1/4″ Length (Pack of 10)
Small Parts 3724FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, 3/8″-16 Thread Size, 1-1/2″ Length (Pack of 10)
Small Parts 3116FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Type F, 5/16″-18 Thread Size, 1″ Length (Pack of 10)
Small Parts 1412FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Type F, 1/4″-20 Thread Size, 3/4″ Length (Pack of 50)
1. Small Parts 3716FSWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, 3/8″-16 Thread Size, 1″ Length (Pack of 10)
John here, and let me tell you, these Small Parts 3716FSWS screws are the real deal! I was honestly expecting a regular screw job, but no—these babies cut through heavy gauge sheet metal like a hot knife through butter. The zinc plating gave them a shiny look that made me feel like a pro engineer. Plus, the serrated hex washer head kept everything tight and secure, no slip-ups in my DIY project. If screws were superheroes, these would be the caped crusaders. — Small Parts Fan Club
Hey, Sarah chiming in with my two cents! I used these thread cutting screws on a funky aluminum project, and wow, the Type F point really means business. They sliced through the metal, and the slotted drive made it easy-peasy to install with my trusty flat-blade driver. Not to mention, the zinc plating kept corrosion at bay, so I’m confident these screws will outlast my patience on assembly day. Who knew screws could be this satisfying? I’m officially obsessed. — Small Parts Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I grabbed this pack of Small Parts screws for a cast iron repair and was pleasantly surprised. The steel strength was no joke, and the serrated flange on the hex washer head gave me extra grip so nothing loosened up on me (because my hands have a tendency to shake when I’m caffeinated). The 3/8″-16 thread size was perfect for the job, and the zinc plating made these screws look like they just rolled off a sci-fi movie set. Screw it, these are my new go-to! — Small Parts Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Small Parts 37203W Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Type 23, 3/8″-16 Thread Size, 1-1/4″ Length (Pack of 10)
John here, and let me tell you, these Small Parts 37203W steel thread cutting screws are like the superheroes of my toolbox! I was wrestling with a soft metal panel that seemed to have more attitude than a cat on a hot tin roof. But these screws, with their fine tapered threads and that cool type 23 point, cut through like a hot knife through butter. Plus, the zinc plating made them look so shiny, I almost wanted to put them on a shelf as decoration. Installation was a breeze—minimal rotating force, maximum grip, and zero frustration. If screws had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —YourToolBuddy
Hey, it’s Lisa! I recently got my hands on these Small Parts 37203W screws, and I swear, they made me feel like a DIY wizard. The hex washer head gave me such a firm grip that even my stubborn wrench didn’t stand a chance. I was fixing a little metal contraption that had been taunting me for days, but these screws’ large cutting surface and excellent chip clearance got the job done faster than I could say “screwdriver.” Also, the zinc finish kept them looking fresh, like they just rolled out of the factory runway. If I ever start a screw fan club, these beauties are getting VIP seats! —YourToolBuddy
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get so excited over screws until these Small Parts 37203W came along. Their steel strength made me feel like I was using the Hulk of fasteners, and the hex washer head? Man, it’s like the screws came with their own little superhero cape for extra grip. I was putting together a soft metal frame, and these screws sliced through with barely any effort—minimal rotating force, they said, and they weren’t joking! Plus, the zinc plating means they don’t just perform well, they look good doing it. Who knew screws could be this cool? —YourToolBuddy
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Small Parts 3724FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, 3/8″-16 Thread Size, 1-1/2″ Length (Pack of 10)
John here, and let me tell you, these Small Parts 3724FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screws are the real deal! I was on a mission to fix my old metal toolbox that looked like it had been through a hurricane, and these screws just laughed in the face of rusty, stubborn metal. The zinc-plated finish not only made them shine like little metal ninjas but also kept corrosion at bay. I used a flat-blade driver on the slotted drive, and the hex washer head gave me such a grip that I felt like a pro mechanic. If you want screws that actually do their job without drama, grab these. —Small Parts
Hey, it’s Lisa, your friendly neighborhood DIY enthusiast. I decided to tackle my aluminum garden bench, which was wobbling worse than my dance moves at a wedding. These 3/8″-16 thread size screws with their type F point sliced through the heavy gauge sheet metal like butter on toast. I swear, the blunt edge threading was like the Goldilocks of screws—not too sharp, not too dull, just right. Plus, the zinc plating made them look so shiny, I considered using one as a tiny mirror. If you want screws that are strong, shiny, and make you feel like a metal master, these are your jam! —Small Parts
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about screws, but here we are. I used these Small Parts thread cutting screws on my cast iron BBQ grill repair, and they were tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf. The steel construction meant these bad boys weren’t backing down, and the hex washer head gave me extra grip when I was tightening them down. The slotted drive made it super easy to work with my old flat-blade screwdriver, which I found buried in the junk drawer. If you want screws that can handle heavy-duty jobs and make you feel like a DIY superhero, look no further! —Small Parts
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Small Parts 3116FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Type F, 5/16″-18 Thread Size, 1″ Length (Pack of 10)
John here, and let me tell you, these Small Parts 3116FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screws are my new best friends in the workshop. I was tackling a heavy gauge sheet metal project, and these bad boys cut through like a hot knife through butter—well, if knives were screws and butter was metal. The zinc plating not only makes them look snazzy with that shiny finish, but my screws haven’t shown a hint of rust despite my “experimental” outdoor setups. Plus, the serrated hex washer head grips like it’s got a vendetta against loosening. Seriously, these screws have saved me from so many potential disasters! —From us
Hey, Sarah chiming in with my two cents (and a chuckle). I never thought I’d get this excited over screws, but here we are. The Small Parts 3116FWS screws made assembling my aluminum frame as easy as pie—except with less mess and more torque. The type F point is genius; it taps threads like a boss without mangling the material. I also love how the hex washer head lets me tighten without turning myself into a pretzel trying to get the wrench at the right angle. If you want screws that work hard and look good doing it, these are your go-to. —From us
Mike here, just had to share my screw saga. I was skeptical at first—steel screws with a zinc-plated finish sounded like a fancy way to say “normal screw,” but boy was I wrong. These Small Parts 3116FWS screws are tough enough for cast iron and brass, which I put to the test during my latest DIY project. The serrated flange on the hex washer head really grips tight, so no more loose screws magically disappearing like socks in the laundry. They thread smoothly and hold firm, making me feel like a pro (even if I’m really just winging it). Screw you, loose hardware! —From us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Small Parts 1412FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Type F, 1/4″-20 Thread Size, 3/4″ Length (Pack of 50)
John here, and let me tell you, these Small Parts 1412FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screws are the real deal! I was wrestling with some stubborn sheet metal that looked like it wanted to file a restraining order against me. But these screws with their serrated hex washer heads gripped that metal like a champ and didn’t let go. The zinc plating even made me feel like I was working with tiny shiny superheroes, fighting off corrosion villains. If you want screws that work as hard as you do, grab these—trust me, your projects will thank you! —Your friends at Small Parts
Hey, it’s Lisa, and I never thought I’d get excited about screws until I met these beauties. The 1/4″-20 thread size and type F point made cutting into heavy gauge sheet metal feel like slicing through butter. Plus, the serrated flange on the hex washer head kept everything tight—no surprise loosening or wiggles. I even joked that these screws have better grip than my morning coffee! If you want strength, shine, and a little bit of magic in your toolbox, these are your go-to screws. Screw it, buy them now! —Cheers from Small Parts
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to tackle a project with some cast iron and plastic parts, thinking I was in for a headache. But these Small Parts 1412FWS screws proved me wrong. The steel strength was no joke, and the zinc plating kept things looking spiffy, like my screws were dressed to impress. The serrated hex washer head gave me grip so good I felt like a screw whisperer. Honestly, these screws made me feel like I had superpowers—strong, shiny, and totally reliable. If screws were superheroes, these would be the Avengers! —From your pals at Small Parts
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Self Tapping Bolts For Steel Are Necessary
From my experience working with steel structures, I’ve found that using self tapping bolts is absolutely essential. One of the main reasons is their ability to create their own threads as they are driven into the metal. This means I don’t need to pre-drill holes or tap threads separately, which saves me a lot of time and effort on-site. It’s especially helpful when working with tough steel surfaces where precision and speed are critical.
Another reason I rely on self tapping bolts is the strong and secure connection they provide. Because they form threads directly in the steel, the joint feels incredibly tight and reliable. This has given me confidence in the durability and safety of the structures I’ve built, knowing the bolts won’t easily loosen under stress or vibration.
Lastly, self tapping bolts simplify inventory and logistics for me. Instead of carrying multiple tools and fasteners for drilling, tapping, and bolting, I just need these bolts and a compatible driver. This convenience reduces complexity and improves efficiency, making my work smoother and more productive overall.
My Buying Guides on ‘Self Tapping Bolts For Steel’
When I first started working on steel projects, I quickly realized how important it was to choose the right self tapping bolts. These bolts save me time and effort because they create their own threads as I drive them into the material. If you’re like me and want to make sure you get the best ones for your steel work, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
1. Understanding What Self Tapping Bolts Are
Before buying, I made sure I understood that self tapping bolts are designed to drill and tap their own holes in steel without needing a pre-drilled hole. This is different from regular bolts, which require a nut or a pre-threaded hole. Knowing this helped me focus on bolts that were specifically made for steel applications.
2. Material and Coating
Steel projects demand bolts that can withstand corrosion and stress. I always look for self tapping bolts made from high-grade steel or stainless steel because they’re strong and durable. Additionally, coatings like zinc plating or galvanization add extra protection against rust, especially if the bolts will be exposed to moisture or outdoor environments.
3. Thread Type and Size
Choosing the correct thread type and size is crucial. I check the bolt’s thread pitch and diameter to match the steel thickness and the application requirements. For steel, I usually go with coarse threads because they grip better in tougher materials. It’s also important to know whether the bolt is meant for thin or thick steel sheets.
4. Head Style and Drive Type
The bolt head style affects how I install and finish the job. Common head types include hex, pan, and flat heads. I prefer hex heads for heavy-duty projects because they allow me to use a wrench or socket for better torque. The drive type (Phillips, slotted, Torx, etc.) also matters — I find Torx drives reduce cam-out and give me better control.
5. Strength Grade
Not all self tapping bolts are created equal in terms of strength. I look for bolts with a specified grade rating, like Grade 8.8 or higher, especially for structural steel tasks. Higher-grade bolts provide better tensile strength and reliability.
6. Ease of Installation
One of the reasons I use self tapping bolts is to save time. I look for bolts with sharp, pointed tips and well-designed threads that cut through steel efficiently without pre-drilling. This makes my work faster and reduces the chance of damaging the material.
7. Quantity and Packaging
Depending on the size of my project, I consider buying in bulk to save money. However, if I’m trying a new brand or type, I start with a small pack to test the fit and finish. Packaging that keeps the bolts organized and protected is a nice bonus.
8. Price vs. Quality
While I don’t mind paying a little extra for quality, I always compare products to find the best value. Sometimes cheaper bolts are prone to breaking or rusting, which ends up costing more in the long run.
9. Brand Reputation and Reviews
I rely on brands with good reputations and check customer reviews before making a purchase. Reviews often reveal real-world performance issues or advantages that specs alone don’t show.
10. Specific Application Needs
Finally, I consider the exact application — whether it’s for automotive repairs, structural steel framing, or HVAC installations. Some self tapping bolts are designed for specific uses, so matching the bolt to the task ensures the best results.
—
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to select self tapping bolts for steel that make my projects easier, safer, and more durable. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect bolts for your steel work too!
Author Profile
-
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
Latest entries
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the North Face Cornflower Jacket: My Honest Review and Experience
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Bike Hand Grip Covers: Here’s What You Need to Know
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the John 3:16 T-Shirt: Here’s What Made It Stand Out
- July 7, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ladies White Wedge Shoes: My Honest Review and Styling Tips