Big Job Broke Out...

[tomsutton529]

Well it is and it isn't.. Ive got a job on monday fitting 20 remote transducers to some fan bearings, we glue the transducer to the bottom half of the bearing housing and the cable runs down to a metal plate with a BNC connection that is attached to the frame.. Now ive got 20 to fit so that's 40 holes for the plates and however many Pclips I use for the cables.. Should I use self tappers and do my absolute best to remember they are there when I next put my hand to check the bolts OR should I spend more time and nut and bolt them? I think the frame is made from 8mm stainless.

This is the plate with the BNC.

 

[the snooper]

Rivet them

 

[tomsutton529]

Good thinking... But that means Il have to buy some rivets. I was going to use self tappers for speed but butchering my hands in a months time doesn't appeal.. Also if im going to drill out for a rivet I could just nut and bolt them..Although rivets will not shake loose and I find it satisfying putting them in..

 

[BrokenBiker]

Rivet would be my choice too. No sharp screws sticking through, no messi g about with spanners in what could be awkward places to reach, easy enough to drill out if needs be and quick to apply

 

[Paul.]

I wouldn't use ordinary self tappers especially in 8mm stainless, but I probably would use taptite or similar thread forming screws, used loads of them when building machinery, drill a pilot and power them in with a cordless, job done.
For stainless you will need a slightly bigger hole than recommended to make driving them in easy
http://www.taptite.net/taptite/duotaptite.asp

 

[the snooper]

Good thinking... But that means Il have to buy some rivets. I was going to use self tappers for speed but butchering my hands in a months time doesn't appeal.. Also if im going to drill out for a rivet I could just nut and bolt them..Although rivets will not shake loose and I find it satisfying putting them in..

No fiddling about with rivets and they are quick

 

[Tinbasherdan]

I'd be riveting them if I was you, probably use monel rivets

 

[Jim Davey]

Another vote for rivets.

 

[tomsutton529]

Is the thickness of the steel frame an issue when it comes to getting the rivets or are the choices quite broad? im not 100% certain its 8mm, il see if I can find a pic for a game of "lets guess the thickness"

Now im a few beers into thinking about this job rivets is sounding good.

 

[Welderpaul]

I'd use Taptites as Paul says. We use thousands and they fly straight in with a cordless - a third of the time to put a pop rivet in and far quicker than fiddling with nuts and bolts and spanners. Better job too IMO.

Easily removed and put back in if required.

 

[mike os]

who supplies taptites? got a job for them

 

[bigegg]

We use rivets to fasten 6mm ali to 18mm ply at work.
Gesipa rivets go from 12mm to 60mm (at least).
You do need to get the correct size for thickness of materials, but " polygrip" type are useable over a wider range. (For a given size of rivet)

 

[galooph]

who supplies taptites? got a job for them

Orbital do them - https://www.orbitalfasteners.co.uk/en/categories/taptite-alternative-screws