How To Tap Sheet Metal

The fastener size is generally displayed on the left hand side of the chart place the piece of metal on a stable work surface.

How to tap sheet metal.

This allows you to skip pre drilling a hole into thinner gauges of sheet metal. To use self tapping screws place the screw directly on the aluminum sheet. Let it turn until it goes all the way through as the threads and the sharp point make their own hole. Self drilling or self tapping metal screws increase productivity by reducing the number of steps required to screw together pieces of metal.

A self drilling screw has a chisel tip similar to a drill bit. Locate the size of the fastener you need to install in the metal. Keep in mind that a properly secured work piece is a safe work piece. Then tap your metal along the bend line with a rubber or plastic mallet until the sheet bends to the angle you want.

If you re working with a thick sheet of metal apply heat from a blowtorch along the bend line to soften it. Stabilize the screw so it doesn t tilt as it goes in and twist the screw into the metal. Identify the thread size and pitch on the drill and tap chart.