Definition
A sharp, tapered, screw-thread-style tip on the end of a wood screw or similar fastener that allows it to start its own hole and pull itself into the wood as it is turned. The point is shaped like a small gimlet — a hand tool with a spiral cutting tip used for boring holes in wood.
Plain English
The pointed, threaded tip on a wood screw that bites into the wood and pulls the screw in as you turn it, without needing a pre-drilled hole.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, hardware descriptions, and parts information for screws used on panels, fittings, or interior parts.
Derivation
A gimlet is an old hand tool — a small T-handled tool with a spiral, pointed shaft used to bore starter holes in wood. The screw point is called a 'gimlet point' because it works the same way: the spiral tip cuts and draws itself into the wood as it turns.
Why Pilots Care
Using the wrong screw point can damage the part, make the screw hold poorly, or make the screw difficult to start correctly during maintenance.
Analogy
It is like the sharp starting tip on a wood screw at home: the point helps the screw begin its path before the threads pull it in.
Intuition Check
Do not read “point” here as a location or reference point. A gimlet point is a physical feature on the end of a screw.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic selected wood screws with a gimlet point so they would draw themselves into the spruce stringer without splitting it.
Example Sentence 2
Gimlet point fasteners let you install the bracket without first drilling pilot holes in the thin skin.