Our Phil pan head self tapping screws with a pointed type C end, manufactured to DIN 7981 and ISO 1481 with the point form of ISO 1478, cut their own thread as they are driven into sheet metal, plastic, or timber based board. The sharp point locates fast without a punched pilot in thin material, while the pan head gives a broad bearing face and a neat rounded profile.

Phil Pan Head Self Tapping Screws with Pointed End in Metric Sizes

What Is a Pointed Self Tapping Screw?

A pointed self tapping screw, known as a type C or type AB point depending on the reference, is a hardened screw with a sharp gimlet tip and a coarse widely spaced thread that cuts a mating thread into the material as it is driven. It needs no nut and no tapped hole. In thin sheets the point can find and enter a small pilot directly, and in softer materials such as plastic and board it can start with little or no preparation at all.

The pan head is the most versatile head style in the range. It presents a flat underside for even bearing on the surface, a generous top diameter that spreads the load and covers a slightly oversized hole, and a low rounded crown that looks tidy and is unlikely to snag. The Phil recess drives easily with common bits and hand tools, and its self centring form makes it forgiving during fast assembly. At Metric Specialties we stock these in case hardened zinc plated steel and in A2 stainless.

Key Features and Benefits

• Cuts Its Own Thread: No tapping and no nut, so assembly is quicker and the parts count in the bill of materials drops.
• Sharp Pointed Tip: Locates and starts quickly in thin sheet, plastic, and board, reducing walk and misalignment.
• Broad Pan Head Bearing: The flat underside spreads clamping load across the surface and covers slightly oversized or slotted holes.
• Familiar Phil Drive: Self centring recess that works with standard bits and drivers, suiting both hand and powered assembly.
• Corrosion Options: Zinc plated steel for general work and A2 stainless for damp, outdoor, and hygienic environments.

Materials and Finishes

• Case Hardened Steel with Zinc Plating: The standard grade, hard enough to cut its own thread in steel sheet while resisting indoor corrosion.
• A2 Stainless Steel: Corrosion resistant for outdoor, damp, food, and marine adjacent assemblies in softer substrates.
• Black Zinc and Passivated Options: Alternative finishes for appearance matching and light additional protection.

Standards Compliance

• DIN 7981 and ISO 1481 cover pan head tapping screws driven by a cross recess.
• ISO 1478 defines the tapping screw thread and the type C pointed end.
• ISO 4757 defines the cross recess dimensions that govern driver fit.

Common Applications and Industries

Pointed pan head self tapping screws are used across sheet metal fabrication, HVAC ducting, electrical enclosures, appliance assembly, automotive trim, signage, shopfitting, and general maintenance. They join thin gauge steel and aluminium panels to frames and to each other, fix brackets and clips to housings, and secure covers and trim where the fastener must be installed from one side only.

Beyond metal, the sharp point and coarse thread suit plastics, fibreboard, plywood, and composite panel, which makes these screws a standard fixing in furniture, cabinetry, and lightweight enclosures. They are the natural choice for high volume assembly where speed matters more than the option of repeated disassembly, and where access is limited to one face of the joint so a nut cannot be held.

How to Choose the Right Self Tapping Screw

Start with the material and its thickness, since these decide both the point type and the pilot hole. A pointed type C screw suits thin sheet, plastic, and board, whereas a blunt flat end type F screw with machine screw threads is the better fit for thicker sections and castings. In sheet steel a correctly sized pilot is still recommended, because an undersized hole raises drive torque and can snap the screw while an oversized hole gives a weak, low strength thread.

Then set the screw diameter from the load and the panel thickness, and set the length so the point clears the far side with enough thread engaged to develop full pull out strength, without protruding into a space where it could snag a cable or a hand. Choose zinc plated steel for general indoor use and A2 stainless where moisture is present, remembering that stainless is softer and cuts best in aluminium, plastic, and thin mild steel. Finally, use the correct Phil bit size and drive at a controlled speed so the recess does not cam out.

Size Range and Availability

Available in 2.2mm through 8mm nominal diameter across a wide range of lengths, in case hardened zinc plated steel and A2 stainless, with black and passivated finish options.

Why Buy From Metric Specialties

As dedicated metric fastener specialists, we hold pointed pan head self tapping screws in the diameters, lengths, and finishes that assembly engineers actually order, backed by clear DIN and ISO references so you can specify with confidence. Every item is sourced to recognised standards and quality controlled, giving you consistent recess fit, thread form, and corrosion performance across repeat orders.

Whether you need a single pack for a repair or bulk quantities for a production line, our range, technical guidance, and fast dispatch help you find the exact fastener for the job. If you are unsure which point type, diameter, or pilot hole suits your material, our team can help you match the right product to your substrate, load, and process, so your panels go together securely and stay that way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a pointed self tapping screw used for?

It fastens thin sheet metal, plastic, and board without a nut or a tapped hole. The sharp point starts quickly and the coarse thread cuts its own mating thread as the screw is driven.

2. What is the difference between a pointed and a blunt self tapping screw?

A pointed type C screw has a sharp gimlet tip and a coarse thread for thin sheet, plastic, and board. A blunt type F screw has a flat end and machine screw threads, suiting thicker sections and castings where a full pilot hole is prepared.

3. Do I need a pilot hole?

In thin sheet, plastic, and board the point can often start with a very small pilot or none at all. In steel sheet a correctly sized pilot is recommended, because it controls drive torque and gives the best pull out strength.

4. What is the difference between self tapping and self drilling screws?

A self tapping screw cuts a thread but needs an existing or easily started hole. A self drilling screw has a drill flute tip that bores its own hole and then taps it in one action, which suits thicker steel sections.

5. Why choose a pan head?

The pan head has a flat underside for even bearing, a broad top that spreads load and covers a slightly oversized hole, and a low rounded crown that looks tidy and does not snag.

6. Are these screws available in stainless steel?

Yes. We stock A2 stainless for corrosion resistant applications. Stainless is softer than case hardened steel, so it is best in aluminium, plastic, and thinner mild steel.

7. Can a self tapping screw be removed and refitted?

It can, but the cut thread wears each time the screw is refitted, and holding strength drops. For joints that will be opened repeatedly, a threaded insert or a machine screw and nut is a better choice.

8. Which Phil bit size should I use?

Match the bit to the recess size for the screw diameter. An undersized bit cams out and damages the recess, while an oversized bit will not seat properly and cannot transmit full torque.

9. What sizes do you stock?

We stock 2.2mm through 8mm nominal diameter across a wide spread of lengths, in zinc plated case hardened steel and A2 stainless.

10. How do I stop the screw stripping the hole?

Drive at a controlled speed, stop as soon as the head seats, and check your pilot hole size. Over tightening strips the freshly cut thread, especially in plastic and thin aluminium.