Best Thread Forming & Cutting Screws of 2025

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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 3716FSWS Thread Cutting Screw Cover #TOP 2
Small Parts 3716FSWS Thread Cutting Screw
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Small Parts 1408FWB Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover #TOP 3
Small Parts 1408FWB 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 3716FSWS Thread Cutting Screw

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

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a versatile fastener suitable for heavy gauge sheet metal, aluminum, cast iron, brass, and plastic. Made of steel, this screw offers exceptional strength for demanding applications. Its zinc plating not only adds a reflective appearance but also provides corrosion resistance, ensuring durability. The screw features a serrated flange on its hex washer head, which offers additional grip on the mating surface, preventing loosening. With a slotted drive, it can be easily tightened or loosened using a flat-blade driver. The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is a reliable and convenient choice for various projects.

What We Like
Versatile
Strong
Corrosion-resistant
#TOP 3

Small Parts 1408FWB Steel Thread Cutting Screw

1408FWB
black
1/4"-20
Small Parts 1408FWB Steel Thread Cutting Screw Cover
Small Parts 1408FWB Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Black Oxide Finish, Hex Washer Head, Type F, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 1/2" Length (Pack of 50)

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is designed for versatility and durability. Its type F point features machine screw threads that taper to a blunt edge, making it ideal for use in heavy gauge sheet metal and other materials like aluminum and plastic. Made from steel, this screw provides excellent strength for demanding applications. The black oxide finish not only adds a sleek look but also offers mild corrosion resistance and lubrication, enhancing its longevity. Lastly, the hex washer head ensures a secure grip, allowing you to easily tighten or loosen the screw with a wrench.

What We Like
Versatile material compatibility
Strong steel construction
Mild corrosion resistance
Secure hex washer head
#TOP 4

BCP Fasteners 5/16-18 Flat Head Screws

BCP1220
black
BCP Fasteners 5/16-18 Flat Head Screws Cover
100 Qty 5/16-18 x 2-1/2" Flat Head Thread Cutting Floor Board Trailer Deck Screws | Black Phosphate | T40 Star Drive | Type F (BCP1220)

The BCP Fasteners Deck Screws are designed for durability and ease of use. Their unique blunt tapered point features multiple cutting edges, allowing you to easily cut through materials without pre-drilling. This saves you time and effort during installation. The star drive design minimizes the risk of slipping, ensuring a secure fit every time. Additionally, these screws are capable of cutting their own threads, which means you can create precise holes without any hassle. With high resistance to torque, shear, and tension, you can trust these screws to hold strong under pressure.

What We Like
High torque resistance
Self-threading capability
Slip-resistant star drive
Time-saving installation
#TOP 5

Small Parts Type F Thread Cutting Screw

1116FSW188
brass
#10-32
Small Parts Type F Thread Cutting Screw Cover
18-8 Stainless Steel Thread Cutting Screw, Plain Finish, Hex Washer Head, Slotted Drive, Type F, #10-32 Thread Size, 1" Length (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Thread Cutting Screw is designed for various heavy-duty applications. Its type F point features machine screw threads that taper to a blunt edge, making it ideal for working with materials like sheet metal, aluminum, and even plastic. Crafted from 18-8 stainless steel, this screw offers excellent resistance to corrosion while maintaining strength, ensuring durability in challenging environments. The plain finish allows for easy integration into your projects, while the hex washer head provides a secure grip against the surface, enhancing stability. With a slotted drive, you can easily use a flat-blade driver for installation, simplifying your work process.

What We Like
Corrosion resistance
Strong and durable
Secure grip design
Easy installation
#TOP 6

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 7

Small Parts 410 Stainless Steel Screws

0608LPP410
silver
#6-19
Small Parts 410 Stainless Steel Screws Cover
Small Parts 0608LPP410 410 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Plastic, Passivated Finish, Pan Head, Phillips Drive, #6-19 Thread Size, 1/2" Length (Pack of 50)

The Small Parts Stainless Steel Screws are specifically designed for use with plastic materials. Their 410 stainless steel construction ensures high strength and durability, making them resistant to corrosion in mild environments. The passivated finish enhances this natural resistance, providing added protection. The pan head features a flat top with short vertical sides, allowing for a secure fit, while the Phillips drive design prevents over-tightening, giving you peace of mind during installation. With these screws, you can achieve reliable performance in your projects.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant material
High strength and hardness
Secure fit with pan head
Prevents over-tightening
#TOP 8

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 9

Small Parts 0408LPP188 Thread Rolling Screw

0408LPP188
#4-20
Small Parts 0408LPP188 Thread Rolling Screw Cover
Small Parts 0408LPP188 18-8 Stainless Steel Thread Rolling Screw for Plastic, Passivated Finish, Pan Head, Phillips Drive, #4-20 Thread Size, 1/2" Length (Pack of 50)

The Small Parts Thread Rolling Screw is specifically designed for use in plastic applications. Made from 18-8 stainless steel, it offers impressive resistance to corrosion and maintains its strength over time. Its passivated finish further boosts its natural ability to resist rust and deterioration. The pan head design features a flat top and rounded edges, making it easy to install and reducing the risk of damage to the surface. With a Phillips drive, you can easily use a Phillips driver, ensuring a secure fit without the worry of over-tightening.

What We Like
Corrosion resistance
Easy installation
Strong and durable
Prevents over-tightening
#TOP 10

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
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 6,051 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 $7.30.

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, BCP Fasteners. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.