On Jun 7, 7:19*am, "Existential Angst"
wrote:
Awl --

Yeah, I know, *a sheetmetal screw.....

But are there designs esp. good for semi-heavy loads attached to 16 ga metal
frames? *At least I think they are 16 ga....

The problem I have with traditional sheet metal screws is that the ratio of
the major to the minor diameter seems kind of small, ie, there doesn't seem
to be enough thread "behind" the sheet metal.

Is the idea for the thread to grab the 16 ga material in the minor diameter
and sort of wedge it, or to thread/cut into the material? *Apropos of the
latter, are chassis screws viable? *Still made?

Are sheetrock screws a no-no? I like coarse SR screws, bec they seem to have
a large root/major diam ratio.

Sources for the "right kind" of fastener for this app?
--
EA

I assume this is for hinges or the like, the few frames I've seen have
had plates welded on and were drilled and tapped. Usually supplied as
a complete assembly, though, door+frame. If you're trying to mod an
existing installation, threaded inserts are probably the way to go,
although not really super-positive for really heavy loads. They CAN
loosen up given enough provocation. Then they're a lot of fun to
drill out. Welding backing plates followed by drilling and tapping
would be positive for heavier stuff. Then all you have to worry about
is tweaking the frame because it won't stand the load. Eventually,
you end up with a door that's heavier than the wall supporting it,
then the bad guys just drive a stolen Suburban through the wall in
reverse and take their time picking things over.

Stan