Abstract: A self-penetrating thread forming and flow drilling fastener for thick materials with a generally cylindrical partially threaded shank, a drive system at the first end of the shank and a flow drilling tip at the second end of the shank. The flow drilling tip is sized larger than the minor diameter of the threaded shank but less than the major diameter to control installation torque enabling installation into thick materials with greatly reduced risk of torsional failure resultant from a decrease in torque. The flow drilling tip and threads may be a variety of shapes or thread types based on the substrate material the fastener is installed into.

Abstract: A fastener has a generally cylindrical shank and a driver at a first end of the shank. The shank has a thread having a first side and a second side opposed to the first side. The first and second sides form a compound angle between the shank and an apex where the first and second sides meet. The compound angle is formed by a body portion extending along the first and second sides from the shank to an intersection, and a crest portion extending along the first and second sides from the intersection to the apex. The first and second sides in the body portion form a body angle with respect to each other, and the first and second sides in the crest portion form a crest angle with respect to each other. The crest angle is greater than the body angle.

Abstract: A fastener has a generally cylindrical shank and a driver at a first end of the shank. The shank has a thread having a first side and a second side opposed to the first side. The first and second sides form a compound angle between the shank and an apex where the first and second sides meet. The compound angle is formed by a body portion extending along the first and second sides from the shank to an intersection, and a crest portion extending along the first and second sides from the intersection to the apex. The first and second sides in the body portion form a body angle with respect to each other, and the first and second sides in the crest portion form a crest angle with respect to each other. The crest angle is greater than the body angle.

Abstract: A fastening device for reducing the time required for insertion that includes an elongated shank portion extending longitudinally between a first and a second shank end; and a head portion arranged at the second shank end, wherein the head portion includes a drive arrangement configured and arranged for receiving a rotary driving force to drive the fastening device into at least one workpiece. The elongated shank portion includes a plurality of intertwined helical ridges (plural thread starts). Preferably, the tip portion is configured and arranged to create a hole and threads by softening the material of a workpiece. Additionally, a method for creating an assembly by attaching a first workpiece to a second workpiece via the use of such a fastening device.

Abstract: A fastening device for reducing the time required for insertion that includes an elongated shank portion extending longitudinally between a first and a second shank end; and a head portion arranged at the second shank end, wherein the head portion includes a drive arrangement configured and arranged for receiving a rotary driving force to drive the fastening device into at least one workpiece. The elongated shank portion includes a plurality of intertwined helical ridges (plural thread starts). Preferably, the tip portion is configured and arranged to create a hole and threads by softening the material of a workpiece. Additionally, a method for creating an assembly by attaching a first workpiece to a second workpiece via the use of such a fastening device.