Phil Pan Head Self Tapping Screw, Pointed — Metric Sizes
What Is a Phil Pan Head Self Tapping Screw with a Pointed Tip?
A Phil pan head self tapping screw with a pointed tip is a hardened fastener that forms its own mating thread as it is driven into a pilot or clearance hole. The sharp gimlet point starts easily and helps locate the screw, while the tapping thread cuts into sheet metal, plastic, or thin castings without a pre tapped hole. The raised pan head provides a broad, rounded bearing surface and houses a Phil cross recess for self centering the driver. Manufactured to DIN 7981, these screws are widely used in HVAC ducting, sheet metal enclosures, electrical boxes, appliance housings, and general assembly where fast, reliable single sided fastening is needed.
Key Features and Benefits
- Pointed Gimlet Tip: The sharp point starts quickly and locates the screw, reducing walk and speeding placement on sheet and plastic.
- Self Forming Thread: The hardened tapping thread cuts its own mating thread, removing the need for a separate tapping operation.
- Broad Pan Head Bearing: The raised pan head spreads clamp load over a wide area for a secure hold on thin materials.
- Self Centering Phil Recess: The cross recess centers the bit and controls cam out for consistent driving.
- Corrosion Resistant Options: Available in zinc plated steel and A2/A4 stainless for indoor and outdoor service.
Materials and Finishes
- Case Hardened Steel (Zinc Plated): Standard hardened and plated finish for sheet metal, ducting, and general assembly.
- Stainless Steel (A2 / A4): For marine, outdoor, and washdown environments requiring corrosion resistance.
Standards Compliance
- DIN 7981 — Cross recessed pan head tapping screws
- ISO 7049 — Cross recessed pan head tapping screws
- ISO 1478 — Tapping screw thread
Size Range and Availability
Available in ST2.2 through ST6.3 tapping screw thread, in zinc plated steel and A2/A4 stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a pan head self tapping screw with a pointed tip used for?
It is used to fasten sheet metal, plastics, and thin castings without a pre tapped hole, in applications such as HVAC ducting, electrical enclosures, appliance housings, and general sheet metal assembly.
2. What is the difference between a pointed and a blunt self tapping screw?
A pointed self tapping screw has a sharp gimlet tip that pierces and locates easily in thin material, while a blunt tip requires a pre drilled pilot hole. Choose the pointed type for faster starting in sheet and plastic.
3. Do I need a pilot hole for a pointed self tapping screw?
For thin sheet and soft plastic the point can start on its own, but a correctly sized pilot hole is recommended for thicker material and harder plastics to prevent splitting and reduce driving torque.
4. What is the difference between a self tapping and a self drilling screw?
A self tapping screw forms its own thread but needs a pilot hole in thicker material, while a self drilling screw has a drill point that bores its own hole and taps in one operation.
5. Are these screws available in stainless steel?
Yes. We offer A2 and A4 stainless for corrosion resistant service, though stainless is softer, so a pilot hole is advised in harder substrates.
6. What size pilot hole should I use?
The pilot hole depends on material thickness and the screw diameter. As a general guide, size the hole to the screw root diameter for metal and slightly smaller for soft plastic. Always test on scrap first.
7. What thread standard do these tapping screws use?
They use the ST tapping screw thread defined in ISO 1478, matched to DIN 7981 pan head dimensions.
8. What sizes do you stock for pointed pan head self tapping screws?
We stock ST2.2 through ST6.3 in zinc plated steel and A2/A4 stainless steel.
