Best self tappers

[SeanF]

Forgive the amateur question but could someone please tell me which are the best self tappers to use for temporary panel fitment. Be good to know the diameter or gauge and length. Better still would be a link to the one to buy. Have just removed the boot floor, sides and inner valence and have to start fitting the new panel jigsaw back together. Some metal to replace in the wheel arches first.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

Sean

[RogerH]

Hi Sean,

these are used in aerospace

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skin-Pins-Temporary-Fastners-1-8-x-10-Free-P-P-/191322086266?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c8baf5b7a

 

and work very well.

 

Roger

[SeanF]

Thanks Roger

[jerrytr5]

These are similar to Roger's suggestion but you can weld near them:

http://www.frost.co.uk/temporary-sheet-metal-fastener-kit.html

They need a 1/8" hole so get s/tappers with the same diameter then you only need one drill for s/tappers, pop rivets or temp fasteners.

Jerry

[AlanT]

I don't like this idea. To hold two pieces of sheet tightly together with a self-tapper will want a clearance hole in one piece.

There is also a risk of inducing a twist into the panels which you will need to tap out later.

 

I always use M3 nut/bolt, in a 1/8in hole, for this.

 

The trick is to use a nut-driver so they spin up quickly.

 

Here I am doing a boot-lid exactly like this:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/90670218@N04/0Fm48M

[stuart]

I don't like this idea. To hold two pieces of sheet tightly together with a self-tapper will want a clearance hole in one piece.

There is also a risk of inducing a twist into the panels which you will need to tap out later.

 

I always use M3 nut/bolt, in a 1/8in hole, for this.

 

The trick is to use a nut-driver so they spin up quickly.

 

Here I am doing a boot-lid exactly like this:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/90670218@N04/0Fm48M

You wont get much twist with a self tapper in two bits of 18gauge unless your names Desperate Dan!

Your better off with "C" jawed Mole grips of different sizes to hold the panels ready for tacking.

Stuart.

[RogerH]

Hi Jerry,

you can get Avdei skin pins that do not have the plastic base - so welding is not a problem.

 

Not keen on the cleco fasteners as you need a set of special pliers to locate them - and they stand quite high.

 

The simple Ali pop rivet would also be handy.

 

Roger.