Meet the Malco BT163 Bit-Tip Self-Drilling & Self-Tapping Sheet Metal Screws—the one-tool solution that changes how you fasten metal. By drilling its own hole while threading, it achieves the optimum hole size for superior thread engagement and a tighter, more secure fit in a single, streamlined step. This means faster installs, fewer misalignments, and durable assemblies you can count on in HVAC and structural applications.

Core features that set BT163 apart

• One-pass fastening—drill, tap, and drive in a single motion with a standard screw gun up to 2500 RPM and a drilling depth locator. No separate drill bits, taps, rivets, nuts, bolts, spot welds, or adhesives required.
• Bit-Tip #3 point—optimized point geometry for reliable penetration through metal, enabling consistent hole size and strong thread engagement across a range of thicknesses.
• 5/16" Hex Washer Head—tough, flush-drive head that resists cam-out and provides a clean, professional finish in exposed or ergonomic installations.
• 12-14X3/4 size—designed for common HVAC and structural sheet metal tasks, with a length and profile tailored to fasten metal to metal as well as metal to wood or composite substrates.
• Heavy-duty steel construction—made from heat-treated, high-quality steel and precision cold-forged to ensure uniform dimensions and drill-point contours every time.
• Large quantity for pro schedules—packaged in a 6000-count quantity, keeping you stocked for busy projects without frequent replacements.

Why this matters for your work

• Time savings on every job—eliminate extra steps and tools. The Bit-Tip design ensures you get a clean pilot hole and strong threads in one motion, dramatically reducing install time on ductwork, metal framing, and fabrications.
• Versatile, multi-material capability—beyond metal, BT163 can fasten plywood, soft wood, composition board, drywall, insulation, and laminates to metal framing or components, expanding your mounting options without swapping fasteners.
• Reliability in HVAC and structural work—engineered for persistent service in structural and layered metal, delivering dependable pull-out resistance and vibration tolerance in both interior and exterior applications.
• Consistent performance—precision-forged and heat-treated steel deliver uniform drill points and dimensions, ensuring predictable results from the first screw to the last on every job.

Ideal use cases and scenarios

• HVAC duct installation and fastening of metal panels to framing where space is tight and accuracy is critical.
• Securing metal studs, channels, and structural layers in commercial and residential projects.
• Attaching plywood or insulation to metal frameworks for retrofit projects or new builds.
• Fastening metal accessories, brackets, or fixtures to existing metal surfaces with a clean, finished drive.

How to use

• Load a BT163 screw into a standard screw gun rated up to 2500 RPM with a drilling depth locator.
• Position where you want the hole and drive. The screw self-drills, self-taps, and seats with the hex washer head for a flush finish.
• Adjust for your metal thickness via the Bit-Tip point length to ensure proper penetration and thread engagement.

For professionals who demand speed, reliability, and minimal equipment to complete metal fastening tasks, the Malco BT163 Bit-Tip self-drilling and self-tapping screws provide a practical, high-performance solution. This is more than a fastener—it’s a smarter way to work on HVAC, structural, and layered metal projects, with fewer tools, less setup, and consistently solid results.