Ferrotek Steel to Steel Heavy Section Self Drilling Screw with EPDM Washer – Weather‑Sealed Fixing to Heavy Gauge Steel

Ferrotek Steel to Steel Heavy Section Self Drilling Screws with EPDM Washer are designed for high‑strength, weather‑sealed fixing of cladding, sheeting and brackets to heavy gauge steel. Featuring a hardened heavy‑section self‑drilling point, hex washer head and bonded EPDM sealing washer, they drill, tap and seal in one operation – ideal for roofing, wall cladding, purlins, sheeting rails and structural steel connections. these ferrotek steel self drilling screws are suitable for a variety of applications, providing a reliable solution even in the toughest environments. with their efficient installation process, they reduce labor time while ensuring a secure and watertight fit. contractors and builders can trust these screws for their durability and performance in challenging conditions.

Ferrotek Steel to Steel Heavy Section Self Drilling Screws with EPDM Washer are specialist fasteners for demanding applications where outer sheets, cladding panels, flashings, brackets and ancillary steelwork must be securely fixed to heavier gauge hot‑rolled or cold‑formed steel sections such as purlins, sheeting rails and structural members. The ferrotek steel self drilling screws are designed to provide exceptional strength and durability in challenging environments. With their ability to create a secure bond without the need for pre-drilling, these fasteners streamline installation and enhance structural integrity. Contractors and builders rely on these specialized screws to ensure long-lasting performance in various construction applications.

The screws incorporate a hardened heavy‑duty drill point capable of penetrating thicker steel than light section self‑drillers, followed by a robust self‑tapping thread that forms a strong connection in the supporting steel. The typical configuration includes a hex washer head and a bonded EPDM sealing washer which compresses between the fastener head and the outer sheet, creating a long‑lasting weather seal around the fixing point.

Typical applications include:

• Fixing steel profiled roof and wall cladding to heavy gauge purlins and rails
• Attaching brackets, cleats and secondary steel to structural members
• Securing flashings, verge trims and eaves details to steel frames
• Fixing insulated panels (subject to manufacturer approval) to steel structures
• General steel building envelope and structural connections where a sealed fixing is required

These Ferrotek screws are usually manufactured from hardened carbon steel with a high‑performance corrosion‑resistant coating (e.g. zinc or organic plating system) and a UV‑stable EPDM washer suitable for roof and wall exposure. They are driven with a hex socket (commonly 8mm) using a cordless or corded drill/driver.

Always check the specific Ferrotek product listing or datasheet for the exact drilling capacity, coating type, washer size and recommended applications for the screw variant you are using.

Typical Use Cases

• Fixing steel roof sheets to heavy gauge steel purlins on industrial and agricultural buildings.
• Securing wall cladding and side sheeting to steel sheeting rails.
• Attaching solar PV mounting rails, plant supports and access walkways to steel roofs (where approved by the system designer).
• Mounting canopies, shelters and signage frames to structural steel members.
• General steel‑to‑steel external fixings where a weather‑tight seal and high pull‑out performance are required.

Installation & Best Practice Tips

1. Check steel thickness: Confirm the total combined steel thickness (outer sheet + support section) is within the Ferrotek screw’s rated heavy‑section drilling capacity.
2. Use correct driver:
   • Fit an appropriate magnetic hex socket (e.g. 8mm) to your drill/driver.
   • Use a variable‑speed tool; avoid very high RPM that can burn the drill point.
3. Drill mode & speed: Use rotary‑only (no hammer) at a moderate speed. Let the drill point do the work – too much speed generates heat and shortens life.
4. Perpendicular entry: Present the screw square (90°) to the sheet to ensure correct drilling and even washer compression.
5. Steady pressure: Apply firm, steady pressure until the drill point breaks through both sections, then allow the thread to pull the materials together.
6. Correct washer compression: Stop driving when the EPDM washer is evenly compressed and slightly bulged beneath the head.
   • Do not over‑tighten – excessive torque can crush or split the washer and damage the coating.
   • Do not under‑tighten – inadequate compression may leave gaps and leaks.
7. Avoid re‑use: For critical weather‑sealed fixings, do not reuse screws once removed; replace with new fasteners and washers.

Always follow Ferrotek installation guidance, the cladding/roofing manufacturer’s fixing pattern and torque recommendations, and relevant site safety procedures.

Ferrotek Steel to Steel Heavy Section Self Drilling Screw with EPDM Washer Features

• Heavy‑duty self‑drilling point – designed for heavy gauge steel‑to‑steel connections within specified thickness limits.
• Hex washer head – provides high driving torque and a broad bearing surface on the sheet.
• Bonded EPDM sealing washer – creates a durable, weather‑tight seal under the head, resistant to UV and temperature changes.
• High‑performance coating – typically zinc or organic‑coated for enhanced corrosion resistance in external environments (check exact finish).
• Self‑tapping thread – forms a secure, vibration‑resistant thread in the supporting steel.
• Multiple lengths – available in various lengths and diameters to suit different sheet build‑ups and steel thicknesses.
• Trade‑quality manufacture – Ferrotek fasteners designed for professional roofing, cladding and structural steelwork.

Technical Information

• Product type: Steel to steel heavy section self drilling screw with bonded EPDM washer.
• Material: Hardened carbon steel screw (see product spec for exact grade).
• Coating: Typically zinc or organic corrosion‑resistant coating suitable for external use – verify the exact finish and corrosion class on the product datasheet.
• Head type: Hex washer head (e.g. 8mm across flats) for use with hex driver sockets.
• Washer: Bonded EPDM sealing washer (diameter and thickness as per specific product variant).
• Drive: Hex drive via suitable magnetic hex socket.
• Drilling capacity: Heavy section steel‑to‑steel, up to a stated maximum combined thickness (e.g. several millimetres of steel). Always check the Ferrotek technical data for the exact capacity of each screw size.
• Typical substrates: Steel profiled sheets, composite panels (if approved), flashings fixed to heavy gauge purlins, rails and structural steel.
• Recommended tool speed: Use moderate RPM in line with Ferrotek’s guidance to balance drilling speed and tool life.
• Standards & compliance: Manufactured under controlled quality processes. For any specific mechanical performance data, salt‑spray/corrosion test results or referenced standards, refer to the latest Ferrotek product documentation.

For safety‑critical and structural applications (e.g. primary roof and wall cladding, fall‑arrest installations, solar PV mounting), confirm fastener selection, layout and installation details with the system designer or structural engineer and follow the cladding/roofing manufacturer’s fixing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions – Ferrotek Steel to Steel Heavy Section Self Drilling Screw EPDM Washer

1. What is the difference between “heavy section” and “light section” self drilling screws?

Heavy section self drilling screws have a larger, more aggressive drill point designed to penetrate thicker steel – typically heavy gauge purlins, rails and structural members. Light section screws are optimised for thin steel sheets and lighter profiles. Using a light section screw on heavy steel can burn out the point and fail to drill; using a heavy section screw on very thin sheet can cause snatching or poor control if not used carefully.

2. What does the EPDM washer do?

The bonded EPDM washer compresses between the screw head and the outer sheet to provide a flexible, weather‑tight seal around the fixing. EPDM is chosen for its UV resistance, flexibility over temperature and long‑term sealing performance, making it suitable for roofing and cladding applications.

3. How tight should I drive the screw?

Tighten until the EPDM washer is evenly compressed and slightly bulged under the head, with no visible gaps, but without squeezing it flat or splitting it. Over‑tightening can damage the washer and coating, reducing weather resistance. Use a controlled torque setting on your driver where possible.

4. Do I need to pre‑drill when using these screws?

In standard applications within the screw’s rated drilling capacity, no pre‑drilling is required. The self‑drilling point is designed to drill through the outer sheet and the support steel in one operation. Pre‑drilling is generally only considered in special details or where specified by the system designer.

5. Are these screws suitable for coastal or highly corrosive environments?

Standard Ferrotek coated screws offer good corrosion resistance for typical external environments. In marine, coastal or highly corrosive industrial environments, enhanced protection may be required (e.g. higher grade coating, stainless steel or system‑approved fasteners). Always consult the project specification, cladding manufacturer and Ferrotek technical data for guidance on corrosion class suitability.

Ferrotek Steel to Steel Heavy Section Self Drilling Screw with EPDM Washer Common Uses / How to Use

Common Uses

• Fixing profiled steel roof sheets and wall cladding to heavy gauge steel purlins and rails.
• Attaching brackets, hangers and cleats to structural steelwork.
• Securing solar PV mounting rails and service supports to steel roofing systems (where approved by system designer).
• Installing flashings, ridge cappings, verge trims and eaves details on steel buildings.
• General external steel‑to‑steel fixings requiring a sealed, durable connection.

How to Use – Step‑By‑Step Summary

1. Confirm specification: Check screw length, diameter, coating and drilling capacity suit your sheet build‑up and steel thickness.
2. Fit the driver socket: Install the correct size magnetic hex socket in your drill/driver.
3. Position the fastener: Place the screw perpendicular to the sheet at the required fixing location (often on crown or trough per system design).
4. Drive at controlled speed: Using moderate speed and firm pressure, allow the drill point to penetrate the sheet and support steel fully.
5. Seat and seal: Continue driving until the EPDM washer is evenly compressed and the head is firmly seated – then release the trigger.
6. Check fixing: Inspect that the screw is square, fully seated and the washer is undamaged and properly sealing.
7. Repeat to pattern: Install remaining screws to the cladding/roofing manufacturer’s fixing pattern and spacing.