How exactly do you attach fasteners to thin sheet metal?

[janas19]

For wood I just use wood screws. Thicker metal I would tap out the bolt hole. But I'm just wondering how you're supposed to attach screws to very thin metal?

Am I just stupid? It's such a simple thing, yet I'm confused.

 

[janas19]

*Edit*

Let me make this much more specific and clearer. Rephrase the original question:

What is the thinnest standard metal sheet that can be tapped for threads? And thinner than that, what's the standard fastening method - rivets, pins, or just brazing on individual standoffs?

Hmmm

 

[Magnus]

Rivets are generally used but, it would help greatly if you said what you're trying to do.

 

[wra18th]

^^^this. I'm certain that you will not be able tap thin sheet metal. You might be able to use sheet metal screws which don't require tapping. Look into something called riv-nuts. Basically, you drill a hole and you apply a threaded insert the same way you would a rivet.

Rivnut
http://compare.ebay.com/like/190819054019?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar


Tool
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-TOOL-R...558?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item460e8d473e

 

[hdfreedom]

wra18th has covered the professional way to accomplish the task. I would do it that way myself.

Another way to do it would be to drill hole, rough up backside of metal and a nut, then epoxy the nut to the sheet. Use a countersunk screw to attach. Not as professional, but cheaper if only doing a couple.

 

[loneindustries]

PEM self-clinching nuts can also be used. Similar to the nutserts. Tapping 1mm sheet metal can also be done.

 

[janas19]

Wow, great info guys. I love it! Those self clinching nuts are SWEET!

Magnus, I'm making some custom enclosures and custom mounting brackets without access to any CNC tools or the like. I need to be able to fasten stuff to my case cheap and effectively.