The following pages are an excerpt from the North American Product

Technical Guide, Volume 1: Direct Fastening Technical Guide, Edition 24.

Please refer to the publication in its entirety for complete details on this
product including data development, base materials, general suitability,
installation, corrosion, and product specifications.

Direct Fastening Technical Guide, Edition 24

To consult directly with a team member regarding our direct fastening

products, contact Hilti's team of technical support specialists between
the hours of 7:00am - 5:00pm CST.

US: 877-749-6337 or [email protected]

CA: 1-800-363-4458 ext. 6 or [email protected]

Hilti, Inc.
7250 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1000
Plano, Texas 75024

1-800-879-8000 | www.hilti.com
3.6 SCREW FASTENING SYSTEMS
3.6.1 SELF-DRILLING SCREW FASTENER SELECTION AND DESIGN
3.6.1.1 DRILL POINT SELECTION

Top material to be drilled

Total thickness to be drilled
Bottom material to be drilled

Top material to be drilled

Void or insulation Total thickness to be drilled
Bottom material to be drilled

Hole diameter
larger than screw threads
Top material
Void or insulation
Bottom material to be drilled Total thickness to be drilled

Drill Flute Point Length Drilling through

The length of the drill The unthreaded wood to metal
flute determines the section from the If your application
metal thickness that point to the first calls for drilling
can be drilled. The thread should be long through wood over
flute itself provides enough to help assure 1/2" thick, a clearance
a channel for chip the drilling action is hole is required.
removal during complete before the Select a fastener with
drilling action. If it becomes completely first thread engages the drilled metal. breakaway wings for this type of job.
embedded in material, drill chips will be Screw threads advance at a rate of up The wings will ream a clearance hole
trapped in the flute and cutting action to ten times faster than the drill flute and break-off when they contact metal
will cease. This will cause the point to can remove metal. All drilling therefore surface (minimum metal thickness
burn up or break. should be complete before threads 0.06") to be drilled.
begin to form.

Drilling capacity — material thickness recommendations (steel to steel)

#5 Point
Thickness of material to be drilled (in.)

#2 Point #3 Point #4 Point

0.500 0.500

0.400

0.300
0.250 0.250
0.200 0.210 0.220 0.250
0.175
0.140 0.175 0.175
0.100 0.100 0.110
0.100 0.110 0.110 0.110
0.035
Screw
#6, #8 #10 #8 #10 #12 #14 #12 #14 #12
Diameter
Note: Meets or exceeds ASTM C1513. Gray or black areas represent total thickness of all steel including any void spaces between layers.

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 Direct Fastening Technical Guide, Edition 24

3.6.1.2 THREAD SELECTION Metal gauge Fraction to decimal

Thread length Aluminum Decimal

Sheet Fraction (in.)
Always choose a fastener with sufficient threads to fully metal equivalent (in.)
engage in the base metal. For attachments to 1/4" base steel,
Gauge 1/64 0.015
a self-drilling screw should have at least 1/4" of threads. It is (Approx. thickness
helpful, but not critical, that the threads also engage in the in decimal parts 1/32 0.031
material being fastened. The head of the fastener provides of an inch)
3/64 0.046
the bearing force for the material being fastened, while the
8 0.1285 0.1644
threads provide the clamping force in the base material. 1/16 0.062
9 0.1144 0.1495
5/64 0.078
Clamping 10 0.1019 0.1345
3/32 0.093
Material being fastened
11 0.0907 0.1196
7/64 0.109
Base material
12 0.0808 0.1046
1/8 0.125
Threading 13 0.0720 0.0897
9/64 0.140
14 0.0641 0.0747
5/32 0.156
15 0.0571 0.0673
11/64 0.171
Thread pitch
16 0.0508 0.0598
The thickness of material being fastened and diameter of 3/16 0.187
the screw determine the type of thread pitch to be used. 17 0.0493 0.0538
13/64 0.203
In general, the thinner the fastened materials, the fewer the 18 0.0403 0.0474
7/32 0.218
number of threads. The thicker the material, the greater
19 0.0359 0.0418
the number of threads. This principle is due to two primary 15/64 0.234
methods of thread engagement/holding power: Clamping 20 0.0320 0.0358
1/4 0.250
and Threading. In light gauge metal, the materials are actually
21 0.0285 0.0329
being clamped together by the upper and lower threads.
22 0.0253 0.0295 Screw diameter
23 0.0226 0.0269
Decimal
Clamping Number
24 0.0201 0.0239 equivalent (in.)

25 0.0179 0.0209 #6 0.1380

26 0.0159 0.0179 #7 0.1510

27 0.0142 0.0164 #8 0.1640

28 0.0126 0.0149 #10 0.1900

Thinner base material requires a coarser thread pitch to assure #12 0.2160
proper clamping. The thicker the material, the finer the threads
1/4 0.2500
must be. In very thick metal (3/8" to 1/2" thick), a fine thread
is advisable. This will allow the thread to tap into the base 5/16 0.3125
material with less installation torque than a coarse thread.

Thread engagement

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3.6.1.3 HEAD STYLE SELECTION

HWH (HHWH) PPH (PPFH) PFH PWH

(High) Hex Washer Head Phillips Pan (Framing) Head: Phillips Flat Head: Phillips Wafer Head:
: Washer face provides a Conventional head for Used primarily in wood to Large head provides
bearing surface for the driving general applications and countersink and seat flush the bearing surface
sockets. provides low without splintering the wood. necessary to seat
profile fastening. flush in soft materials.

PBH PTH (MPTH) PPCH PFTH

Phillips Bugle Head: (Modified) Phillips Truss Phillips Pancake Phillips Flat Truss Head:
Used primarily for Head: Large head and low Conventional Head: Head for Lowest profile head available
fastening drywall, profile provides surface area general applications and for attaching metal
plywood or insulation board needed to attach wire lath to provides low and to metal.
to steel studs. metal stud. flat profile.

PFHUC SHWH TPCH

Pancake Framing Head Slotted Hex Washer Torx Pancake Head:
Undercut: Used for Head: Hex washer head Pancake head with a star
countersinking where a full with slot in center to drive to prevent strip during
head taper would cause provide additional drive installation and provide a
stand-off of the screw. connection. decorative drive finish.

3.6.1.4 SEALING CRITERIA 3.6.1.5 LENGTH SELECTION Maximum total thickness (MT)

Sealing washer screws offer greater Length of the screw (L) The maximum total thickness (MT) for
weather resistant fastenings where all screws is the length of the threads
Depending on the screwhead, there are
moisture or condensation is a factor. reduced by the first three threads
two different ways to measure the overall
The washer helps seal the hole to better (protruding past the back-side of the base
length of a screw.
prevent moisture from dripping into material). See drawings above and below.
the fastener threads from the fastened For HWH/HHWH, PPH, PTH, PFTH,
The maximum total thickness (MT)
material side, reducing corrosive build-up. SHWH and PPCH screws, the overall
describes the maximum thickness of all
As added protection against corrosion, length is measured from the bottom of
attachments to be fastened plus the
all sealing washer screws come standard the washer under the head to the point
base material.
with Kwik-Cote coating. The torque of the screw.
control or depth gauge of the electric For PWH, PFH, PBH and PFHUC screws,
screwdrivers help ensure that the optimal the overall length is measured from the
seal is applied (Reference Section top of the head to the point of the screw.
3.6.1.7).

MF
MT MT
MF
L L

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 Direct Fastening Technical Guide, Edition 24

3.6.1.6 CORROSION RESISTANCE GUIDELINES

Self-drilling screw fastener selection guidelines1,2,3,6,7

High
indoor and exterior - wet:
Low Medium Heavy industrial or coastal areas
Environment indoor - dry: indoor and exterior - dry: with high prolonged moisture levels
no moisture exposure minimal moisture exposure but no direct exposure to chlorides,
and average temperatures
below 86 °F (30 °C).
Untreated
Untreated Pressure-treated4 lumber-to-steel, Pressure-treated4 Untreated Pressure-treated4
lumber-to-steel, or fire-retardant steel-to-steel, or fire-retardant lumber-to-steel, or fire-retardant
Connection
steel-to-steel, lumber-to-steel; gypsum-to-steel lumber-to-steel; steel-to-steel, lumber-to-steel;
type
gypsum-to-steel aluminum-to-steel; applications; aluminum-to-steel; gypsum-to-steel aluminum-to-steel;
applications dissimilar metals cement dissimilar metals applications dissimilar metals
board-to-steel
Hardened carbon
steel fasteners with Carbon steel, Hardened carbon Carbon steel,
Screw electro-galvanized two-step heat steel fasteners two-step heat
300 series5
fastener (min. 5 - 13 treated fasteners with Kwik-Cote treated fasteners
stainless steel fastener
descriptions microns), black or with Kwik-Cote or Duplex with Kwik-Cote
grey phosphate coating coating coating
coatings
Hilti
Hilti Zinc
Screw Self-Drilling Screws Hilti
Plated Screws, Hilti Hilti
fastener with Kwik-Cote, Bi-Metal
Hilti Dark Grey Kwik-Flex Kwik-Flex
designation CRC, or Kwik-Seal Kwik-Flex
Phosphate (DGP)
designation
Product
Section Section Section Section Section
technical
3.6.2 or 3.6.3 3.6.4 3.6.2 3.6.4 3.6.5
guide section
1 If the moisture content of Pressure-Treated Lumber is high (> 18%) or unknown, stainless steel fasteners are recommended. Select appropriate stainless steel grade for your application.
2 Guidelines based on fastener coating / material resistance to environmental corrosion (commonly called rusting) and fastener hardening process / resistance to hydrogen assisted stress
corrosion cracking (HASCC). Evaluate site conditions which may affect these guidelines, such as: corrosive agents other than those listed; expected service life; other (non-environmental)
types of corrosion, etc.
3 In highly corrosive environments (such as direct exposure to chlorides with average temperatures above 86 °F (30 °C)) it is generally recommended that a Highly Corrosive Resistant (HCR)
fastener be used. Contact Hilti Technical Support at 877-749-6337 for more information.
4 Pressure treated lumber refers to lumber such as SBX/DOT, Zinc borated ACQ, CA-B, CBA-A treated lumber.
5 300 series recommended. Most 400 series stainless steels, such as 410 stainless steel, 410 super-passivated stainless steel and 400 modified stainless steel are generally considered
susceptible to HASCC. Moreover, these grades of stainless steel are 18/0 – they contain chromium but no nickel which reduces corrosion resistance significantly when compared to 18/8
grades (302, 304) or 18/8/2 grade (316).
6 The decision as to which fastener optimally meets the demands of a specific application is ultimately the judgment of the Engineer of Record or other responsible person for the project.
7 Reference Section 2.3.3.1 for more information on corrosion resistance.

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3.6.1.7 HILTI SCREW FASTENER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS*
It is essential that proper rpm, setting depth and torque be fastening self-drilling screws in steel up to 1/4" (6 mm) thick.
utilized when installing Hilti screws. There is a depth gauge on the front of the tool for correct
depth setting of screws.
Install self-drilling screws perpendicular to the work surface.
The self-drilling feature of the screw will drill a hole completely The Hilti ST 1800 heavy duty torque adjustable screwdriver
through the base material before tapping the threads. Do not features a 1,800 rpm for fastening self-drilling screws in steel
apply excessive pressure. Too much pressure will slow the up 1/2" (12 mm) thick. There is a depth gauge on the front of
speed of the screwdriver, increasing the installation time and the tool for correct depth setting of screws. There is also an
possibly leading to drill tip failure. The variable speed motors 18 position adjustable torque clutch for correct torque release
of Hilti screwdrivers help enable the operator to start the screw setting of screws. By avoiding overdriving, proper torque
in a precise position and drive it at the speed best suited for adjustment will deliver more consistent fastening quality.
the application. The tables below provide additional suggested
The ST 1800 may also be operated with the SDT 9 for a
tools as well as common socket and bit sizes.
stand-up decking system to fasten steel deck.

Please reference the table on torque considerations below

Common socket and bit sizes
for more information on proper installation of Hilti
screw fasteners.
Screw Magnetic nut Phillips
size setter size bit size
The Hilti SD 2500 siding edition features a 2,500 rpm motor for
* These are abbreviated instructions which may vary by application.
#8 1/4" 2 ALWAYS review/follow the instructions accompanying the product.

#10 5/16" 2

#12 5/16" 3

1/4" 3/8" 3

Torque Considerations for Screw Fastening Applications3

Soft joint applications Hard joint applications

These include, but are not limited to, typical applications

involving metal decking (both frame and sidelap), metal
siding (both frame and sidelap), exterior façade and
These include, but are not limited to, typical applications window glazing as well as any application where
Applications involving interior drywall fastening, exterior sheathing, stripping of the base material may occur.
metal framing, HVAC duct and plywood to metal.
Any application involving sealing washers requires a
depth gauge or torque clutch to help ensure that an
optimal seal is achieved.

These applications must utilize a corded or cordless

Ideally, these applications should be carried out with a
screwdriver that features either an adjustable torque
corded or cordless screwdriver that features either an
clutch, speed settings that have been verified for use
adjustable torque clutch or a properly adjusted depth
in the specific application or a properly adjusted depth
gauge. However, a tool without these features can often
gauge in order to help ensure consistent fastening and
Considerations1,2 be used in soft joint applications.
achieve published connection capacities.
This is because the applications are considered
This is because the applications are considered
non-structural and/or possess sufficient redundancy in
structural elements of the design. Over-driving may
fastening points that any impact of over-driving may be
cause connection failures or fastener failures that
sufficiently mitigated.
possibly compromise the integrity of the connection.
1 Whether an application requires a depth gauge or torque clutch is the judgment of the person responsible for the project. If conditions are unknown or in doubt, use a screwdriver that
features either an adjustable torque clutch or a properly adjusted depth gauge.
2 All screw fastening connection capacities published in this manual were developed using corded or cordless screwdriver tools with adjustable torque clutches. Over-driving a screw
fastener can cause a connection failure in lighter gauge and lower strength steel base materials (the threads tapping the base material are stripped by excessive torque) or a fastener failure
in heavier gauge and higher strength steel base materials (the screw is damaged or sheared by excessive torque). This type of damage is not always visually detectable. Regardless of the
tool or its torque setting, test fastenings should always be performed to verify the appropriate torque is being applied.
3 For additional information, contact Hilti Technical Services at 877-749-6337.

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