Sheet Metal Fastening Methods

Welding methods have some constraints when joining fasteners to sheet metal.

Sheet metal fastening methods. Since they become integral parts of the assembly during fabrication, they do not loosen or fall out and never have to be handled again. Both need holes through the sheet metal but bolts use a nut on the backside to tighten the joint. This process does not require additional hardware and can be done on sheet metal bending machines.

They can be installed during fabrication to eliminate loose hardware during final assembly. Which is best depends on the material, its thickness and the application requirements. Secure fastening by any other method.

Fasteners and assembly products from STANLEY ® Engineered Fastening include threaded inserts for plastics, blind rivets and tools, self-locking thread systems, and torque tool solutions. The self-clinching nut is a threaded fastener with an annular recess in its shank. Unlike other methods, self-clinching fasteners give permanent, reliable, and reusable load-bearing threads in thin metal sheets.

Folding or bending tabs is an economical way for making permanent sheet metal joints. Whether residential or commercial, HVAC and sheet metal applications require an array of highly-specific fastener and assembly solutions to ensure optimal performance and extended product life. Currently, two main methods are used for the joining of a fastener to sheet metal – conventional welding and self-clinching fasteners (SCF).

Even if the sheet is thick enough to sustain tapping, it may actually be more economical to use self-clinching fasteners with gaugeable threads. Reusable Methods of Joining Sheet Metal Bolts and screws top this list. Screws on the other hand hold a joint together by griping a thread cut into the metal.

Folding and adding bending tabs is one of the easiest and most economical way of making moderately strong joints in sheet-metal parts that will permanently or semi-permanently attach to one. Appliance engineers have several options for joining sheet metal, including screws, rivets, welding, bonding, clinching and folding. Most engineers rely heavily on mechanical fasteners.