Reduced-friction thread forming or thread cutting screw

A screw for forming threads in a workpiece, the screw comprising:

• a cylindrical shank;
• a work holding portion positioned on the shank and having a plurality of helical threads of a constant crest diameter, a constant root diameter, and circular cross-section located thereon;
• a lead portion at a first end of the cylindrical shank and having at least a portion of a helical thread located thereon;
• a forming portion intermediate the work holding portion and the lead portion and having at least one full lobular-shaped thread located thereon having a lobular diameter which is greater than the crest diameter of the plurality of helical threads on the holding portion and a root diameter which is larger than the root diameter of the plurality of helical threads on the holding portion;
• and
• a coupling means located at a second end of the cylindrical shank opposite the first end and capable of coupling with a driving tool.

A device that creates threads in a workpiece, the device comprising:

• a cylindrical shank having a threaded portion formed thereon;
• the threaded portion having
• a plurality of main threads of a substantially constant crest diameter, a substantially constant root diameter, and a substantially constant pitch diameter,
• at least a portion of a lead thread, and
• a thread intermediate the main threads and the lead thread and having a crest diameter which is greater than the crest diameter of the plurality of main threads, a root diameter which is larger than the root diameter of the plurality of main threads, and a pitch diameter which is proportionally larger than the pitch diameter of the plurality of main threads;
• and
• a coupling means located at one end of the cylindrical shank capable of coupling with a driving tool.

A tap for cutting threads in a workpiece, the tap comprising:

• a cylindrical shank having at least one groove formed therein, the at least one groove having a cutting edge, and a threaded portion formed on the shank;
• the threaded portion having
• a plurality of main threads of a substantially constant crest diameter, a substantially constant root diameter, and a substantially constant pitch diameter,
• at least a portion of a lead thread, and
• a cutting thread intermediate the main threads and lead thread and having a crest diameter which is greater than the crest diameter of the plurality of main threads, a root diameter which is larger than the root diameter of the plurality of main threads, and a pitch diameter which is proportionally larger than the pitch diameter of the plurality of main threads;
• and
• a coupling means located at one end of the cylindrical shank capable of coupling with a driving tool.