Self-Drilling Fasteners for Steel Brackets, Sections & Assemblies

Steel thickness is one of the first things to check when choosing a self-drilling hex screw. ICCONS® | Hex Screws includes self-drilling hex-head fasteners for joining compatible mild-steel brackets, components, sections & assemblies, with coarse-thread, fine-thread, 5 Series & sealing-washer configurations available across the wider ICCONS range. Builders, steel installers, fabricators, cladding crews & maintenance teams can choose according to material thickness, drilling capacity, thread configuration, screw length, finish & sealing requirements.

For a complete fastening setup, compare Bolts & Fasteners for wider fastening hardware, Screws & Anchors for alternative fixing types or Drill Accessories when a compatible driving accessory is also required.

► Self-drilling hex-head screws
► Coarse-thread configurations
► Fine-thread configurations
► 5 Series self-drilling screws
► EPDM sealing-washer options
► Zinc, galvanised & stainless options across applicable families
► Steel bracket, component, section & assembly fastening
► Multiple gauges, lengths & drilling capacities

What Are ICCONS® Hex Screws?

ICCONS Hex Screws include self-drilling fasteners designed for compatible steel fastening applications. A hardened drill point allows applicable screws to drill into mild steel & form their thread during installation when used within the specified drilling capacity.

The flanged hex head provides an external driving surface for a compatible nut setter. Different thread forms, drill points, finishes, lengths & washer configurations allow the fastener to be matched more closely to the connection.

Configurations across the wider ICCONS range include:

► Self Drilling Hex – Coarse Thread
► Self Drilling Hex – Fine Thread
► Self Drilling Hex 5 Series – Fine Thread
► Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer – Coarse Thread
► Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer – Fine Thread
► Self Drilling Hex 5 Series with Sealing Washer – Fine Thread
► Painted self-drilling Hex options
► Trade Pack configurations across selected sizes

A thin-steel bracket connection may require a different screw from a thicker steel assembly or an exposed installation requiring a sealing washer.

Start With the Steel Thickness

Material thickness directly affects which drill-point configuration is suitable for the connection.

Each self-drilling screw has a defined drilling capacity. Check the specification for the exact fastener before installation.

Do not assume every self-drilling hex screw can penetrate the same material thickness.

Coarse Thread for Compatible Mild-Steel Connections

ICCONS describes its coarse-thread self-drilling Hex family as providing slightly faster installation than the corresponding fine-thread configuration.

Applications can include:

► Metal brackets
► Steel components
► Steel sections
► Fabricated assemblies
► General construction connections

Within the specified capacity, the hardened drill point penetrates compatible mild steel before the thread forms into the material.

For installations that also require conventional nuts, washers or associated fastening hardware, browse Nuts & Washers.

Confirm material thickness, gauge, length & drilling capacity before starting repetitive installation.

Fine Thread Provides More Controlled Installation

ICCONS' fine-thread Hex screws install slightly more slowly than their coarse-thread counterparts, providing greater adjustment during installation.

Fine-thread configurations may suit work where:

► More controlled installation is preferred
► Steel thickness falls within the specified drilling capacity
► Component alignment needs careful attention
► Bracket position needs to be maintained during fastening
► The connection specifies a fine-thread fastener

Coarse & fine thread configurations should be selected according to the connection rather than treated as interchangeable options.

For further practical reading around fixing selection, see Why Good Fasteners Matter More Than the Tool You Drive Them With.

5 Series Screws for Thicker Mild Steel

As steel thickness increases, the drill point needs to penetrate more material before effective thread engagement can occur.

ICCONS' 5 Series, also known as Series 500, self-drilling Hex screws use a hardened 5 Series drill point.

Applicable products within this family are documented for drilling through up to 12 mm mild steel, subject to the capacity of the exact screw selected.

5 Series configurations can be relevant for:

► Heavier steel brackets
► Steel sections
► Fabricated components
► Assemblies involving thicker mild steel
► Construction connections within the specified drilling range

Check the combined material thickness at the fastening point before choosing the screw.

EPDM Sealing Washers for Connections Requiring a Seal

Where a fixing penetration requires a sealing element, ICCONS offers self-drilling Hex configurations fitted with EPDM sealing washers.

Washered configurations are available across applicable:

► Coarse-thread Hex screws
► Fine-thread Hex screws
► 5 Series fine-thread Hex screws

Depending on the installation, a sealing-washer screw may be relevant to external steel work, sheet applications & assemblies where sealing around the penetration is required.

Before selection, check:

► Screw drilling capacity
► Steel thickness
► Required screw length
► Fastener finish
► Exposure conditions
► Whether a sealing washer is specified

Use a washered configuration where the assembly requires sealing around the fixing penetration.

Steel Fabrication Requires the Complete Material Stack to Be Checked

Fabricated assemblies can combine brackets, plates & steel sections of different thicknesses.

Before fastening, establish:

► Thickness of the materials being joined
► Combined drilling thickness
► Required screw gauge
► Required screw length
► Coarse or fine thread
► Hex-head size
► Required finish
► Whether a sealing washer is needed

Where a connection requires conventional bolted fastening rather than a self-drilling screw, browse Hex Bolts.

Assess the complete connection rather than choosing the screw from one component alone.

Cladding & External Steel Work Requires the Correct Finish

Fastener finish becomes particularly important where the installation is exposed to weather or other environmental conditions.

Across applicable ICCONS Hex screw families, documented options include zinc, galvanised, Class 3, Class 4 & stainless configurations.

Painted coarse-thread variants are also available for suitable applications where the visible fixing needs to coordinate with surrounding material.

Before ordering for exposed work, check:

► Environmental conditions
► Required corrosion protection
► Connected materials
► Whether the fixing remains visible
► Sealing requirements
► Project specification

Choose the finish according to the installation conditions & specification for the exact fastener.

Bracket Installation Involves More Than Screw Length

Steel brackets can combine several factors within a relatively small connection.

Check:

► Bracket thickness
► Supporting steel thickness
► Combined drilling thickness
► Required thread engagement
► Screw length
► Head clearance
► Driver access
► Surface finish

A longer screw is not automatically the correct choice.

The selected screw needs suitable dimensions for the complete connection while its drill point remains within the specified material capacity.

For larger construction connections requiring conventional structural fastening, compare Structural Fasteners & Bolts.

Match the Nut Setter to the Hex Head

The external hex head requires a driving accessory that fits correctly over the head.

ICCONS documents different head sizes across applicable self-drilling Hex families, including ¼", 5/16" & ⅜" configurations.

Before driving:

► Confirm the hex-head dimension
► Select the corresponding nut setter
► Seat the nut setter fully
► Keep the driver aligned
► Inspect worn driving accessories
► Replace accessories that no longer engage correctly

For additional driving equipment, browse Power Tool Accessories.

Correct nut-setter engagement helps maintain a stable connection between the driver & fastener during installation.

Self-Drilling Screws Still Have Defined Drilling Capacities

A self-drilling point eliminates a separate pilot-drilling stage only when the fastener is being used within its specified material capacity.

If the steel exceeds that capacity, applying additional driver pressure does not change the screw's intended drilling range.

Before repetitive fastening:

► Verify material thickness
► Check the screw's drilling capacity
► Confirm screw length
► Match the nut setter
► Hold the driver square to the work
► Inspect drill points during repetitive installation

For crews preparing tools & consumables before larger projects, Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready provides further jobsite preparation guidance.

Where ICCONS® Hex Screws Are Used?

Steel Installation

Brackets, sections & steel components can require repeated fastening across consistent material thicknesses. Check drilling capacity, thread configuration & driver setup before beginning a run of fixings.

Fabrication

Workshop assemblies can involve several material combinations. Keeping coarse, fine & 5 Series screws clearly separated helps installers select the appropriate drill-point configuration for each connection.

Cladding & External Steel Work

Exposed installations can introduce finish, appearance & sealing requirements alongside drilling capacity. Painted finishes & EPDM washer configurations may be relevant where specified.

General Construction

Building work can involve brackets, steel components, fabricated assemblies & associated hardware at different stages of a project. Select the fastener from the actual materials being joined.

Maintenance & Replacement Work

Existing installations should be identified before replacement. Check head size, screw dimensions, material thickness, finish & sealing requirements before choosing a replacement fastener.

Practical Checks Before Installing ICCONS® Hex Screws

► Measure the steel. Confirm the material thickness against the drilling capacity of the selected screw.
► Check the complete material stack. Bracket plus supporting material can affect the required drilling capacity.
► Choose coarse or fine thread deliberately. Match the configuration to the connection & installation requirements.
► Use 5 Series where its drilling capacity is required. Confirm the specification of the exact screw.
► Match the nut setter. The driving accessory needs to correspond with the hex-head size
► Select the finish for the environment. Consider exposure, connected materials & project requirements.
► Use a sealing washer where specified. Check whether the penetration requires an EPDM sealing element.
► Keep the driver square. Alignment helps the drill point start correctly & maintains engagement at the hex head.
► Inspect high-use accessories. Replace worn nut setters or damaged screws before engagement becomes unreliable.
► Check the individual fastener specification. Gauge, length, drilling capacity, thread, head size & finish can vary across the range.