Tapping screws are a type of threaded fastener that are designed to tap their own threads as they are driven into a material. This type of screw is typically used in applications where it is not possible or convenient to tap the lines beforehand. Self-tapping screws, on the other hand, drill their own holes when they’re screwed into materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. By using a screwdriver to attach a self-tapping screw, you can create precisely fitted threads. They’re ideal for combining two different types of materials or for screwing in areas where access is only one-sided. Tapping is the process of cutting a matching set of threads into a piece of metal, plastic, acrylic, or wood. The process of tapping uses two separate tools: the tap which cuts the threads on the inner diameter of the hole, and the die which cuts the threads on the outer diameter of the bolt or screw.