Self Tapping Screws
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 344
Likes: 21
From: Galveston, Texas
Self Tapping Screws
Will I need a pilot hole to use some self tapping screws on the outer side of the frame rail? I am going to mount a couple lights to wire in the plugs that are On the frame rails for when I unlock the doors or open them.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 696
If they screws are strictly self tapping you will need to drill the appropriate size pilot hole first. If the screws are self drilling and self tapping you should not have to but it might help depending on the size of the screw.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,503
Likes: 2,820
Yes. on a frame, you will need to drill a hole as specified by the screw supplier, and you may be looking at a self threading screw or bolt like so:
https://www.wurthusa.com/Hardware/US...1-2/p/01315238
The drill tipped self tappers aren't going to cut through the frame material.
https://www.wurthusa.com/Hardware/US...1-2/p/01315238
The drill tipped self tappers aren't going to cut through the frame material.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 507
From: Phelan CA
I'd be using a rivet nut instead of Tek screws. But that's just me.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 2,195
make sure you know what is on the other side of what you are drilling.
I followed some install instructions for some traction bar mounts on my prior truck and drilled into an electrical harness. there was no warning even though the install instruxctions were for my exact truck to include pictures of the spot I was supposed to drill.
fixing the harness was a PIA.
sefl taping screws usally indicate on the box what size hole to use...some come with the bit and the nut driver
I followed some install instructions for some traction bar mounts on my prior truck and drilled into an electrical harness. there was no warning even though the install instruxctions were for my exact truck to include pictures of the spot I was supposed to drill.
fixing the harness was a PIA.
sefl taping screws usally indicate on the box what size hole to use...some come with the bit and the nut driver
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 253
From: NorCal
self tappers are basically used in HVAC / sheet metal work. ( light gauge )
If drilling into thicker steel I would recommend a self driller..and if going into 1/8th -1/4 thick steel, use a tek 3 minimum or a tek 5 screw. In some cases you would still drill a pilot hole using a tek screw
If drilling into thicker steel I would recommend a self driller..and if going into 1/8th -1/4 thick steel, use a tek 3 minimum or a tek 5 screw. In some cases you would still drill a pilot hole using a tek screw
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 563
high strength steel in frame rails can be difficult to get through even for drill bits. im doubting a self drilling screw would be nearly sharp or hard enough without proper size pilot hole
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MattyJessome
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Aug 17, 2010 11:47 PM
DJdemon6696
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
May 17, 2009 04:44 AM
tomrooster-1
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Dec 4, 2007 07:45 PM