Industrial Engineering Fasteners:
Thread Forming Excellence

If you’re an engineer designing assemblies for anything from a car engine to a metal bracket - or even some types of plastic parts - you will have come across thread-forming fasteners, even if you didn’t realise it at the time. So what exactly are they, and why do so many engineers and manufacturers value them?

Let’s start with the basics: Thread-forming fasteners are screws designed to create their own threads as they’re driven into a material. Unlike regular screws that rely on pre-tapped holes (or cut their own threads by slicing material away), thread-forming fasteners displace the material - basically pushing it aside or ahead to form strong, clean threads. Think of it as carving a path through a field of tall grass without destroying the plants and simply bending them into neat rows.

Why would you want to use a fastener like that?

No Need to Pre-Tap Holes

One big win: You don’t have to tap threads in the hole beforehand. That means fewer steps during assembly. No taps, no extra machines, no wasted time. Just drill a pilot hole and go. This makes assembly faster and cheaper, especially in high-volume production.

Stronger Threads = Better Holding Power

Because thread-forming fasteners don’t remove material, they maintain the full strength of the base material. The displaced material actually gets compressed around the threads, creating a tight, interference fit. That means these fasteners are less likely to loosen from vibration - a big plus in automotive, aerospace, or anything that moves or shakes.

Reusable Threads (Sometimes)

In the right materials, for example certain thermoplastics and metals, the threads formed can often hold up well to multiple insertions and removals. So, if you're designing something that might need servicing, thread-forming fasteners can help keep the threaded hole intact longer than a traditional thread-cutting screw.

Reduced Risk of Cross-Threading

Because these fasteners create the thread as they go, there’s less chance of misalignment during installation. That means less chance of stoppages, less frustration and less time lost in production.

Clean and Contaminant-Free

High quality thread-forming fasteners don’t generate chips. That’s a huge advantage in applications where cleanliness is critical - like electronics or fluid-handling systems. No metal shavings floating around to cause shorts or clogs.

Good for Plastics & Soft Metals

Thread-forming fasteners are especially effective for plastic parts. The process of displacing material rather than cutting it means less stress concentration, reducing the risk of cracking. And when designed right, they can create strong, reliable joints in materials that are usually tricky to fasten securely.

So, if you’re looking for fasteners that speed up production, reduce cost, boost strength, and keep your threads clean and tight, thread-forming fasteners might just be your new best friend. When used in the right materials and applications, they deliver to the bottom line on investment.