Self tap screws always need a pilot hole to screw into - if the hole is too big the screw will not be able to "cut" a decent thread. If the hole is too small the screw may be difficult to insert and damage the surrounding plastic making a poor thread. Virtually all screws screw in clockwise.
The "hold" into PVC may be poor because the material is usually relatively thin - when making a pilot hole err on the side of too small rather that too big.
Peccavi
March 2010