What is typically used to cut threads in thin steel materials?

Self-tapping screws are specifically designed to cut their own thread while being driven into materials, making them suitable for use with thin steel and other metal substrates. The design of self-tapping screws features a sharp point and cutting edges that allow them to carve out a thread in the material as they are installed. This characteristic not only facilitates fastening without the need for pre-drilled holes but also helps to create a secure joint in thin steel, which might not be able to withstand the stress of other fastening methods.

In contrast, pop rivets are used primarily for joining materials together rather than cutting threads, and they do not provide a threaded feature. Bolts require a pre-tapped or pre-drilled thread to be effective, which may not be practical in cases where ease and efficiency are priorities. Disk saws are cutting tools designed for creating straight cuts in materials but do not perform any threading function, as they are not used for fastening or joining materials. Thus, self-tapping screws are the most appropriate choice for cutting threads in thin steel materials.