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7 Metal Fastening Techniques To Improve Stability

In the automotive world, metal fasteners are critical for holding major components together so the car can function. As you invest in the right bolts, screws and rivets for the jobs you have planned, also consider the right metal fastening techniques.

Making sure your fasteners are installed properly ensures the quality of the repair and improves the look of the components that have been brought together. Learn about the different options and what each involves, plus why they are useful.

6 Common Metal Fastening Techniques To Know

Just like there is a certain time and place to use specific kinds of fasteners, there are also reasons to use different techniques for fastening depending on the situation. The method that works best will depend on how permanent the repair is meant to be, whether the fastener will be seen or not and what type of outside forces the joint will be exposed to.

1. Welding

One of the most common ways to fasten metal connections is through welding. This process is versatile, being applicable in a wide variety of projects and jobs. Welding involves melting the edges of two metal pieces and letting them cool together, fusing them in the process. The pieces are connected with a strong and nearly unbreakable bond.

Welding has been used for centuries, and for good reason. The durability achieved with welding is unmatched. Welded joints can be stronger than the combined base metals, perfect for items that need a lot of stabilization. While that strength is an advantage, it also means the results are permanent so it's not useful for items that will be removed or adjusted. Welding can also require a lot of special training and a proper workspace.

2. Bolting

Bolting is another option for fastening metal parts. The method is pretty straightforward and involves using bolts, nuts and washers to secure components. By using bolting, you get a strong and stable hold quickly, but you can also tighten and loosen the bolts as needed, even removing them if necessary. This makes bolting a good option for items that may require adjustment in the future.

To get the best hold and stabilizing effect, make sure you have the right size and shape bolts for the job. Each bolt must be tightened to the proper torque to have a lasting hold. Also, pay attention to the type of material used to make the bolts, nuts and washers since certain metals can react to one another and potentially corrode, leading to breakage.

3. Riveting

Riveting is a well-established metal fastening technique thanks to the strong bond created by the process. A metal rivet is lined up with premade holes in metal pieces, then the rivet is driven through the hole, and one end of the rivet deforms, locking the parts in place. When done correctly, riveting can offer as much stability as welding but with less equipment and setup needed.

Rivets hold up to high-stress environments very well, making them suitable for cars and machines that are subject to a lot of movement. This is one of the metal fastening techniques that is meant to be permanent, so place rivets carefully.

4. Adhesive Bonding

While many metal fasteners are meant to mechanically fit into their holes or with one another, adhesive is sometimes used to secure parts as well. For metal work, adhesive bonding is achieved by using high-strength glues and compounds to secure parts. Surfaces need to be prepared properly so the adhesive can form a solid bond.

Using adhesive has some advantages. First, there is little damage done to the components being joined since you don't have to make holes in the metal or deform the edges. Some adhesives can also offer corrosion protection. Adhesive can be tricky to work with since many varieties need time to dry and cure to form a proper bond, adding time to your repair.

5. Threaded Inserts

Using many metal fastening techniques on soft or thin materials can be tough, but threaded inserts are a good option. A space is made for a small cap, called a tap bolt, and the fastener is screwed or threaded into that cap rather than directly into the material. This prevents tearing or warping that can happen when dealing with materials that aren't very tough. The threads create a tight and secure hold for all the parts.

Threaded inserts can withstand high loads and prevent stripping or wear on your components. They are also good for situations where disassembly and reassembly are likely occurrences since they can be unscrewed and replaced easily.

6. Clinching

Clinching is a cold joining process that involves deforming metal sheets and interlocking them. This method doesn't rely on heat, adhesives or small fasteners; instead, the pieces are linked mechanically to make a stable connection. It takes precision to get the cuts just right, but the resulting bond is long-lasting and reliable.

You can use clinching for metals of different types and thicknesses, so it is a versatile way to fasten many different items. This option works very well with sheet metal and metal panels.

Things To Keep in Mind

There is no one technique that is inherently better than the others. To get results that will last and look good, you have to evaluate your circumstances to see what is the right path. Here are a few things to ask:

• Is there enough space/equipment for this fastening method?
• How permanent is this hold meant to be?
• What materials are being joined together?
• Will this bond be seen and what should it look like?

All of these considerations can help you choose a method that works.

Use the Right Metal Fastening Techniques for Every Project

The beauty of vehicles and complex machines is the intricate nature of how all the parts are put together. Components are put in place with a job to perform, and fasteners make sure everything stays where it should so it functions properly. Making sure each bond is secure and stable means using the right metal fastening techniques and getting the right fasteners. Shop for the fasteners you need at ROGO Fastener.

Sources:

• https://www.pemnet.com/company/pem-blog/the-most-common-sheet-metal-fastening-methods-and-their-use-cases/
• https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/threaded-inserts-guide
• https://www.tfgusa.com/metal-fasteners-101-what-you-should-know-before-you-invest/
• https://www.maysteel.com/blog/metal-enclosure-design-tips-metal-joining-techniques
• https://www.appmfg.com/blog/4-facts-on-dissimilar-metal-corrosion