What type of screw is designed to drill its own hole as it is driven into material?

A self-tapping screw is specifically designed to create its own hole as it is inserted into materials, such as metal or wood. This feature is achieved through a sharp, pointed tip and often has threads that extend along a significant portion of its body. These characteristics allow the screw to penetrate the material and form threads in the sides of the hole as it is driven in, eliminating the need for pre-drilling in many applications.

In contrast, wood screws typically have a tapered tip and are primarily designed for use in wood, where they create their own grip by biting into the material. Machine screws, on the other hand, are intended to be used with pre-tapped holes or nuts and do not have the same self-drilling capability. Lock screws have a specific function related to securing or locking components in place but do not feature the self-tapping design that allows them to drill their own holes.