Thread Forming vs Thread Cutting Screws: What’s the Difference?

As your on-demand engineering partner, our engineers can tackle A LOT of fastener questions – from common to complex, we’ll have the answers. In this post, we’ll look at a common fastener question: “What’s the difference between thread forming and thread cutting screws?” Understanding this distinction empowers you to optimize assembly efficiency, improve joint strength, and reduce total fastening cost.

What Are Thread Cutting Screws?

 Definition: Fasteners that cut or remove material as they create their mating thread.

    Ideal For:  Harder materials such as steel, cast iron, and brittle plastics where thread cutting is necessary.

What Are Thread Forming Screws?

  Definition: Fasteners that displace material to "form" threads without removing material. Thread forming screws, also commonly called thread rolling screws, have a unique thread profile that when driven into a pilot hole, pushes the material outward to form internal threads. Stronger threads are created as the displaced material is work hardened which improves its resistance to joint fatigue and wear.

Benefits: 

Stronger thread engagement and higher clamp load

Thread forming results in a stronger, more precise, and often more fatigue-resistant thread in comparison to cut threads

Generate virtually no debris, ideal for clean or sensitive assemblies

    Ideal For:  Soft materials, where strength and cleanliness are prioritized.

Why This Matters: Field’s Engineering Edge

At Field, our Value-Added Engineering isn’t just theory, it’s proven practice.

• We conduct line reviews, study the potential for fastener consolidation, and redesigns with the ultimate goal of improving assembly quality and cost reduction.
• For example, in one case study, our engineers identified unnecessary features (thread-cutting slots) and redesigned them, achieving 9.5% savings, better performance, and process simplification. 

Choosing the right fastener—thread forming vs thread cutting—can be an opportunity for design optimization and cost reduction.

Field University: Learn with Field Engineers

We don’t just deliver parts—we empower your team with knowledge through tailored training like:

• Thread Forming and Thread Cutting Fasteners: Practical, hands-on training covering hole sizing, drive-to-fail ratios, seating torque, and safe operation tips.
• Rules of Thumb for Fastening and Joint Design: Includes guidelines on engagement depth, hardness ranges, and expected performance differences.

These programs ensure your team installs fasteners safely and efficiently, backed by engineering insight.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between thread forming and thread cutting screws is more than academic—it’s about unlocking greater strength, performance, and cost savings in your assemblies. With Field’s exemplary engineering support—from design analysis to hands-on training—we help you make smart and more economical choices.

Have a specific fastening challenge? Let our engineers help you choose the right solution. Contact our Engineering Team to see how our Value-Added Engineering and Field University programs can elevate your next project.