I am trying to use some of these for LAN faceplates, using the usual
3.5mm screws for the faceplate. I got as far as being ready to fix the
faceplates but couldn't even get the screws to start. The seller
suggests that this is normal, that the screws are intended to cut their
own thread - am I missing something?

On 11/03/17 19:03, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I am trying to use some of these for LAN faceplates, using the usual
3.5mm screws for the faceplate. I got as far as being ready to fix the
faceplates but couldn't even get the screws to start. The seller
suggests that this is normal, that the screws are intended to cut their
own thread - am I missing something?

sure they are not still BA threads?

anyway an M3.5 tap is always handy

www.toolstation.com/shop/p58127


--
"In our post-modern world, climate science is not powerful because it is
true: it is true because it is powerful."

Lucas Bergkamp

On Saturday, 11 March 2017 19:03:18 UTC, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I am trying to use some of these for LAN faceplates, using the usual
3.5mm screws for the faceplate. I got as far as being ready to fix the
faceplates but couldn't even get the screws to start. The seller
suggests that this is normal, that the screws are intended to cut their
own thread - am I missing something?

If they're intended for use with BT Lineboxes then newer Lineboxes come with self-tapping screws. Older ones came with 3.5M electrical pattern screws and brass inserts to screw into.

Another example of petty cost-saving

Owain

expressed precisely :
If they're intended for use with BT Lineboxes then newer Lineboxes come with
self-tapping screws. Older ones came with 3.5M electrical pattern screws and
brass inserts to screw into.

Another example of petty cost-saving

They were described as suitable for BT and LAN sockets, my LAN sockets
arrived each with a pair of 3.5mm screws.

I have noticed some screws that seem to be hybrid screws and slef tapping
having a kind of lead in sharp bit on the tip.
Brian

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"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
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On 11/03/17 19:03, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I am trying to use some of these for LAN faceplates, using the usual
3.5mm screws for the faceplate. I got as far as being ready to fix the
faceplates but couldn't even get the screws to start. The seller
suggests that this is normal, that the screws are intended to cut their
own thread - am I missing something?

sure they are not still BA threads?

anyway an M3.5 tap is always handy

www.toolstation.com/shop/p58127


--
"In our post-modern world, climate science is not powerful because it is
true: it is true because it is powerful."

Lucas Bergkamp

Brian Gaff laid this down on his screen :
I have noticed some screws that seem to be hybrid screws and slef tapping
having a kind of lead in sharp bit on the tip.
Brian

The seller of the Pressac boxes has assured me this is normal and that
the faceplates are supplied with self tapping screws - mine were not.
He says he has had some unwanted boxes delivered in error, which have
proper tapped holes and is sending me some of these.

Thinking about it - I fitted a new BT master socket a while back, which
included a built in broadband filter, that used self tappers for the
plate.

On Sat, 11 Mar 2017 19:03:16 GMT, Harry Bloomfield wrote:

I am trying to use some of these for LAN faceplates, using the usual
3.5mm screws for the faceplate. I got as far as being ready to fix the
faceplates but couldn't even get the screws to start. The seller
suggests that this is normal, that the screws are intended to cut their
own thread - am I missing something?

"pressac boxes" presumably a make of back box that the faceplate
mounts onto? The box would have to be PVC or metal for a self tapper
to work. The hard, brittle, aldehyde boxes won't self tap and have
brass inserts for 3.5 mm machine screws.

Tried fitting the screws without the faceplate getting in the way?

--
Cheers
Dave.

Dave Liquorice formulated the question :
"pressac boxes" presumably a make of back box that the faceplate
mounts onto? The box would have to be PVC or metal for a self tapper
to work. The hard, brittle, aldehyde boxes won't self tap and have
brass inserts for 3.5 mm machine screws.

Tried fitting the screws without the faceplate getting in the way?

They are a soft plastic and yes I tried them without the faceplates -
no I still couldn't get a 3.5mm screw to start. The boxes I installed
before I realised, I just used wood screws to fix the faceplates.