Which screw is capable of tapping its own hole when driven into material?

• A. Self-tapping screws
• B. Threaded fasteners
• C. Riveting
• D. Adhesives

Answer: (A)

Self-tapping screws are designed to form or cut threads in the material as they are driven in. Their sharply shaped tip and cutting edges on the threads shave away material to create a mating thread, so you can drive the screw into a pilot hole or even into material that hasn’t been threaded yet. This lets you create a secure, threaded connection in a single operation. In contrast, threaded fasteners typically require pre-tapped holes or existing threads, riveting holds parts together by deforming material rather than producing threads, and adhesives bond surfaces without any threading. So the screw that taps its own hole is the self-tapping type.