THE APF Blog

Expert advice, product know-how, and news from the world of fasteners — straight from the team that’s been doing this since the 1980s.

Tek Screw FAQ

FAQs about Tek Screws What Is a tek Screw? Tek type screws, also known as “self-drilling screws” are a popular screw type with drill-bit ends that enable them to self-drill.

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common screw finishes
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Common Screw Finishes

Common Screw Finishes Resiliency and durability are critical when choosing the best fastener for your project. Because consumers depend on high-performance fasteners to provide decades of reliable service, you should

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Pilot Holes Guide
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Pilot Holes Guide

Pilot Holes Guide If you’re working on a woodworking project, there’s nothing worse than throwing away a good piece of wood because of a mistake during assembly. Pilot holes are

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Anatomy of a screw
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Anatomy of a Screw

Anatomy of a Screw Understanding screw anatomy helps you choose the correct screws whether you need screws for furniture, decorative work or marine applications. Exploring various screw parts, materials and coatings can

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Nail Size Chart
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Nail Size Chart

Different construction projects require fasteners with various qualities to ensure the project’s structural soundness. Construction workers use nails in all kinds of tasks, from roofing to flooring. It’s essential for

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why you shouldn't over torque fasteners
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Why You Shouldn’t Over-Torque Fasteners

Installing screws to fasten materials is a standard procedure for construction contractors, HVAC technicians, roofers and other professionals working in the trades. While the tendency is to make the fasteners

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Coarse Thread vs. Fine Thread Fasteners
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Coarse Thread Vs. Fine Thread Fasteners

Coarse Thread vs. Fine Thread Fasteners When you’re planning your next project, choosing the best fastener type is essential to the overall function of your final product. Coarse and fine

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What is a sqaure drive screw
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What Is a Square Drive Screw?

What Is a Square Drive Screw? The square drive screw is designed to be used in installing decking, furniture manufacturing operations, along with other demanding industries that use tough materials

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how strong are deck screws
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How Strong Are Deck Screws?

How Strong Are Deck Screws? Screws can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes, and though many people assume screw types are interchangeable, there are important differences between

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trio of ap tek screws
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Guide to Buying Tek Screws

What are Tek Screws?     The term “tek screw” has become a proprietary eponym, similar to Kleenex, Clorox, and Xerox. These screws, known by the brand name “tek”, have

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ap headmarked TEK self tapping screw
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Choosing Self-Tapping Screws

Choosing the right screw can feel challenging when you don’t know what the different heads, shanks and points can do. By understanding these aspects, you will be able to find

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What Kind of Screws to Use for Subfloors

What Kind of Screws to Use for Subfloors During the course of a construction or renovation project, you may encounter subfloors. Every builder, renovator and homeowner should know which kind

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Different types of HEX head screws.
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Different Types of Hex Head Screws

Different Types of Hex Head Screws Hexagon head screws — also called hex screws, hex socket screws and hex head cap screws — have a six-sided head and preformed machine

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