Screw or Bolt?

[slobert]

Ok, I am starting the build up of my first scaler. I need to attach two 1/8th inch thick pieces of aluminum together ( like a shock tower to a frame ) I have a drill and tap and was considering tapping one of the pieces and srewing the other to it. Hmmm do you guys think this would be strong enough or should I just drill through both pieces and put a nut on the back. Thoughts?

Rob

[ADDICT]

nut on the back, just to make sure

[1rcmonster]

I agree...and make sure to use thread lock or a nylock nut....

[Bermbuster]

Originally Posted by slobert

Ok, I am starting the build up of my first scaler. I need to attach two 1/8th inch thick pieces of aluminum together ( like a shock tower to a frame ) I have a drill and tap and was considering tapping one of the pieces and srewing the other to it. Hmmm do you guys think this would be strong enough or should I just drill through both pieces and put a nut on the back. Thoughts?

Rob

What size screw are you going to use? a 3mm or 4mm screw you can tap and it will hold. An easy rule of thumb would be the pc your tapping is as thick as a nut of the thread size you want to use....

[WyldWeazel]

Originally Posted by Bermbuster

What size screw are you going to use? a 3mm or 4mm screw you can tap and it will hold. An easy rule of thumb would be the pc your tapping is as thick as a nut of the thread size you want to use....

As I was told, that rule works for steel. With aluminum you want 2x to 3x material thickness for tread engagement. I would think a nut would be far stronger.

[slobert]

Thanks for the input. My tap is 6-32, and after reading your thoughts, I think 1/8 inch of aluminum isnt going to be enough thread. Nylock nut it is. If I put all the nuts on the inside of the frame rails and counter sink the screws, it should look pretty clean. Just waiting for a few more boxes from UPS to start the build. ( been playing with my ax10 axles for days and its making me nuts to begin)

Rob