self-ˈtapping, ppl. a. Mech.
[self- 4.]
Designating a hardened screw that will cut its own thread in a hole in metal that would otherwise need tapping. Also self-ˈtapper (colloq.).
| 1936 R. T. Kent Mech. Engineers' Handbk. (ed. 11) III. ix. 36 Self-tapping screws are screws that may be driven into an untapped hole, forming the thread in the hole as they are driven. 1955 Archit. Rev. CXVII. 213/1 From the point of view of large-scale production of sheet metal components, the greatest design change has been brought about by the Parker-Kalon or self-tapping screw. 1970 K. Ball Fiat 600, 600D Autobook viii. 99/1 Slightly tighten the self-tapping bushes. 1978 Hot Car June 98 (Advt.), A spoiler which needs only six self tappers to secure it to withstand heavy impact. |