AbstractEnhanced use of lightweight materials, namely aluminium and magnesium, requires the application of appropriate production techniques. Self‐tapping screws represent an innovative joining technology. High‐strength aluminium alloys can be used as screw material. Stringent requirements regarding the wear resistance of screw surfaces result from the thread‐forming process. These requirements are met by oxide ceramic conversion layers produced by hard anodizing. Based on application‐oriented testing methods, the influence of hard anodized layers on the screwing behaviour and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of high‐strength aluminium screws is examined.