Self-tapping is the ability of a screw

Screw

A screw, or bolt, is a type of fastener characterized by a helical ridge, known as an external thread or just thread, wrapped around a cylinder. Some screw threads are designed to mate with a complementary thread, known as an internal thread, often in the form of a nut or an object that has the...

 to advance when turned, while creating its own thread. This ability is sometimes created by a gap in the continuity of the thread on the screw. These edges cut a thread as the screw is driven in to the material. The cutting edge drills away the material, leaving a hole for the screw to go into.

Self-tapping screws are used in a variety of applications ranging from DIY to surgery

Surgery

Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...

. A dental implant

Dental implant

A dental implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth....

 is an example of a self tapping screw used in surgery.

See also

• Fasteners with a tapered shank
• Tap

External Links

• "Hold Everything", February 1946, Popular Science bottom of page 151