The useful distinction is between self-drilling tek screws and self-tapping screws. A tek screw has a drill point designed to cut its own hole in suitable metal before the threads engage. A self-tapping screw forms or cuts threads after a hole already exists, or after a separate drilling operation. Choosing the wrong type can slow installation, damage the workpiece, or leave poor thread engagement.
Boxed screws also vary by application. A hex washer head screw may suit roofing or cladding work where driver grip and sealing are important, while a pan head or countersunk style may be better where the head needs to sit differently on the surface. For outdoor or roof use, washer material and coating choice matter as much as screw length.
Start with the material stack. State whether the screw will join metal to metal, metal to timber, or a sheet material to a steel frame. The drill point must suit the thickness and hardness of the metal it needs to penetrate. A screw that drills too aggressively can oversize the hole; one with an unsuitable point can burn, skate, or fail before the threads take hold.
Match the head and washer to the finished joint. Hex washer heads are easy to drive and common in construction fastening. Countersunk heads need the receiving material to accept the head cleanly. If the joint must resist rain, confirm the washer type and the sealing surface, because leaks often come from poor washer compression, overdriving, or an uneven panel surface rather than screw length alone.
Choose coating and material based on exposure, not only appearance. Indoor dry use, temporary fixtures, exterior cladding, and coastal or chemical environments place different demands on corrosion resistance. Ask what coating options are available and what inspection documents can be supplied, but do not assume one finish fits every project.
Avoid ordering by a short description such as “box of tek screws” without the key details. Send the screw diameter or gauge, length, head type, point type, coating, washer requirement, drive type, intended materials, and box quantity or packing preference. If the screw will be used with powered drivers, also confirm the recommended bit or socket style to reduce cam-out and installer damage.