Best Thread Forming & Cutting Screws of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

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Thread forming and cutting screws are essential fasteners used in various industries and applications. These screws are designed to create threads in preexisting holes, eliminating the need for tapping or drilling. Thread forming screws work by displacing the material around the hole, forming threads as they are driven in. On the other hand, thread cutting screws have a cutting edge that removes material, creating threads as they are inserted. Both types of screws provide secure and reliable fastening solutions, making them ideal for metal, plastic, or wood materials.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Small Parts 37203W Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover #TOP 1
Small Parts 37203W Steel Thread Cutting Screw
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Small Parts 0610LPP188 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw Cover #TOP 2
Small Parts 0610LPP188 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Small Parts 3116FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover #TOP 3
Small Parts 3116FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Thread Forming & Cutting Screws

#TOP 1

Small Parts 37203W Steel Thread Cutting Screw

37203W
zinc
3/8"-16
Small Parts 37203W Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover
Small Parts 37203W Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Type 23, 3/8"-16 Thread Size, 1-1/4" Length (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a high-quality screw designed for various applications. Made of strong steel, it offers excellent strength and durability. The zinc plated finish not only provides a sleek and reflective appearance, but also protects the screw from corrosion. With its type 23 point style, this screw has fine threads that taper down to a blunt point, making it perfect for soft metal. The large cutting surface ensures excellent chip clearance, and the minimal rotating force required for installation makes it convenient to use. The hex washer head with a flange provides additional grip and can be easily turned with a wrench. Overall, the Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a reliable and versatile choice for any project.

What We Like
Strong and durable
Corrosion resistant
Excellent chip clearance
#TOP 2

Small Parts 0610LPP188 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw

0610LPP188
#6-19
Small Parts 0610LPP188 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw Cover
Small Parts 0610LPP188 18-8 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Plastic, Passivated Finish, Pan Head, Phillips Drive, #6-19 Thread Size, 5/8" Length (Pack of 50)

The Small Parts Stainless Steel Screw is designed specifically for use in plastic materials, making it ideal if you work with plastics and need reliable fastening. Made from 18-8 stainless steel, it offers excellent strength and resists rust, so your projects stay durable over time. The passivated finish further boosts corrosion protection, ensuring the screw lasts even in challenging environments. With a pan head design, it provides a smooth, rounded top that sits neatly on the surface, giving your work a clean look. This screw is a practical choice for those seeking a strong, corrosion-resistant fastener for plastic applications.

What We Like
Corrosion resistance
Strong stainless steel
Plastic-friendly thread design
Passivated finish
Pan head style
#TOP 3

Small Parts 3116FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw

3116FSW
zinc
5/16"-18
Small Parts 3116FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover
Small Parts 3116FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, 5/16"-18 Thread Size, 1" Length (Pack of 25)

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a versatile fastening solution suitable for heavy gauge sheet metal, aluminum, cast iron, brass, and plastic. With its type F point, this screw features machine screw threads that taper down to a blunt edge, providing excellent grip and stability. Made of durable steel, it offers exceptional strength for various applications. The zinc plating not only adds a reflective appearance but also resists corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. The hex washer head with a flange provides additional grip with the mating surface, preventing slippage. The slotted drive with a linear slot allows easy use with a flat-blade driver. The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a reliable option that combines strength, convenience, and corrosion resistance.

What We Like
Versatile
Durable steel
Corrosion-resistant zinc plating
#TOP 4

Small Parts 3716FW Zinc Plated Steel Thread Cutting Screw

3716FW
zinc
3/8"-16
Small Parts 3716FW Zinc Plated Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover
Small Parts 3716FW Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Type F, 3/8"-16 Thread Size, 1" Length (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is designed to make your fastening tasks easier and more reliable. Its type F point allows the screw to cut through heavy gauge sheet metal, aluminum, cast iron, brass, and plastic with ease, giving you versatility for various projects. Made from strong steel, this screw offers durability and strength, ensuring your work holds up well over time. The zinc plating helps protect the screw from rust and corrosion, so it maintains its shiny look and lasts longer. Plus, the hex washer head provides a secure grip for your wrench, making it simpler to tighten or loosen the screw efficiently.

What We Like
Versatile thread cutting point
Strong steel material
Corrosion-resistant zinc plating
Hex washer head for better grip
#TOP 5

Small Parts 1412FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw

1412FWS
zinc
1/4"-20
Small Parts 1412FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover
Small Parts 1412FWS Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Type F, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 3/4" Length (Pack of 50)

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a versatile fastener designed for heavy gauge sheet metal, aluminum, cast iron, brass, and plastic applications. Made of durable steel, this screw provides strength and reliability. The zinc plating not only adds a reflective appearance but also offers excellent corrosion resistance. The serrated hex washer head with a flange provides additional grip on the mating surface, preventing loosening. With its machine screw threads that taper down to a blunt edge, this screw is ideal for creating precise and secure connections. Whether you are working with sheet metal or plastic, the Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a reliable choice that ensures a strong and lasting hold.

What We Like
Versatile
Durable steel
Corrosion-resistant
#TOP 6

Small Parts 1212FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw

1212FSW
zinc
#12-24
Small Parts 1212FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover
Small Parts 1212FSW Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, #12-24 Thread Size, 3/4" Length (Pack of 50)

The Small Parts Steel Thread Screw is designed with a special type F point that helps you easily cut threads into tough materials like heavy gauge sheet metal, aluminum, and brass. This makes it perfect for projects where you need a secure hold in hard surfaces. Made from strong steel, this screw offers great strength for demanding applications. Its zinc plated finish not only protects against rust but also gives the screw a clean, shiny look. Additionally, the hex washer head provides extra grip, helping you keep the screw steady and firmly in place during installation. This screw is a reliable choice for your tough fastening needs.

What We Like
Strong steel construction
Corrosion-resistant zinc plating
Effective thread cutting point
Hex washer head for better grip
#TOP 7

Small Parts 0810LPPB Steel Thread Rolling Screw

0810LPPB
black
#8-16
Small Parts 0810LPPB Steel Thread Rolling Screw Cover
Small Parts 0810LPPB Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Plastic, Black Oxide Finish, Pan Head, Phillips Drive, #8-16 Thread Size, 5/8" Length (Pack of 100)

The Small Parts Steel Thread Screw is designed especially for use with plastic materials, making it easier for you to achieve a secure hold without damaging the plastic. Made from steel, this screw provides strong and durable fastening, ideal when you need reliable strength. Its black oxide coating not only helps resist mild corrosion but also makes the screw easier to drive in by reducing friction. The pan head design offers a flat top with rounded edges, giving you a smooth finish that sits nicely on the surface. Together, these features make this screw a practical choice for your plastic fastening needs.

What We Like
Plastic-friendly thread design
Strong steel construction
Corrosion-resistant black oxide finish
Pan head for smooth surface fit
#TOP 8

Small Parts Steel Thread Cutting Screw

5016FWS
zinc
1/2"-13
Small Parts Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover
Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Zinc Plated Finish, Serrated Hex Washer Head, Type F, 1/2"-13 Thread Size, 1" Length (Pack of 5)

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is designed for heavy-duty applications, making it perfect for working with materials like sheet metal, aluminum, and plastic. Its unique type F point features tapered threads that help you create precise holes easily. The durable steel construction ensures strength in your projects, providing long-lasting performance. Plus, the zinc plating offers excellent corrosion resistance, giving you peace of mind for outdoor or challenging environments. The serrated hex washer head enhances grip, preventing loosening and allowing you to turn it effortlessly with a wrench from the side.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant zinc coating
Strong steel construction
Improved grip with serrated head
Ideal for various materials
#TOP 9

Small Parts 1016LPP188 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw

1016LPP188
#10-14
Small Parts 1016LPP188 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw Cover
Small Parts 1016LPP188 18-8 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Plastic, Passivated Finish, Pan Head, Phillips Drive, #10-14 Thread Size, 1" Length (Pack of 25)

The Small Parts Stainless Steel Screw is designed specifically for use with plastic materials, ensuring a secure hold without damaging the surface. Made from 18-8 stainless steel, it offers excellent strength and resists rust, so you can trust it to last even in damp conditions. The passivated finish adds an extra layer of corrosion protection, keeping the screw looking and performing well over time. Its pan head shape provides a smooth, rounded top that sits neatly on your project, while the Phillips drive allows for easy installation with a reduced risk of over-tightening, making your work more efficient and precise.

What We Like
Plastic-friendly design
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Passivated protective finish
Rounded pan head
Phillips drive prevents over-tightening
#TOP 10

Small Parts 1012LPP410 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw

1012LPP410
Silver
#10-14
Small Parts 1012LPP410 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw Cover
Small Parts 1012LPP410 410 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Plastic, Passivated Finish, Pan Head, Phillips Drive, #10-14 Thread Size, 3/4" Length (Pack of 25)

The Small Parts Stainless Steel Screw is designed especially for use with plastic materials, making your projects more secure and reliable. Made from 410 stainless steel, this screw offers excellent strength and hardness, so it stands up well to daily wear and tear. Its passivated finish boosts the screw’s natural ability to resist rust and corrosion, which means it will last longer in mild environments. The pan head design provides a smooth, rounded top that sits neatly on your workpiece, while the Phillips drive helps you screw it in easily without worrying about over-tightening. This screw is a solid choice for anyone working with plastic who needs durability and ease of use.

What We Like
Plastic use optimized
High strength and hardness
Corrosion-resistant finish
Easy-to-drive Phillips head
Neat pan head design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are thread forming screws used for?

Thread forming screws are used when there is a need for increased resistance to loosening and when large stresses are required. These screws displace material around the pilot hole, causing it to flow around the screw's threads. Unlike cut threads, no material is removed, resulting in a fit with zero clearance.

2. Are formed threads stronger than cut threads?

Yes, formed threads are generally stronger than cut threads. Cold working in the process of forming threads increases the tensile strength by at least 30% more than cut threads. Additionally, rolled threads improve fatigue strength by 50% to 75%, making them a stronger option for creating joints.

Editor's Notes

During our thread forming & cutting screw research, we found 24 thread forming & cutting screw products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,376 customer reviews through our big data system to write the thread forming & cutting screws list. We found that most customers choose thread forming & cutting screws with an average price of $7.91.

The thread forming & cutting screws are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of thread forming & cutting screws, including Small Parts and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.