Self-clinching fasteners were created some 70 years ago. Today there are a multitude of types and variations of self-clinching fasteners that serve a variety of purposes.
Standard types include studs, nuts, spacers, access hardware, panel-mounting hardware, hooks, and cable-tie mounts. Generally speaking, self-clinching fasteners are permanently installed by pressing them into thin metal sheets, causing the displaced metal to cold flow into the pilot in the fastener, locking it in place.
Self-clinching fasteners must be able to withstand hard tugs and heavy torque loads. They can be installed mid- or post-fabrication and offer a variety of benefits, including durability and the use of less hardware.
Let’s take a look at the different standard self-clinching fasteners that make up the standard types found in the market and some installation tips to help you get familiar with a product that has many variations and use cases.
These fasteners are used when components need to be installed before final attachment. Studs are externally threaded and come in different types, including flush head and other variations for high torque, thin sheet and electrical. Self-clinching studs have a wide range of thread styles, including those without threads for use as guide pins or pivots.
When you need strong load-bearing threads, nuts are the way to go. The clinching action of these nuts takes place on the fastener side of the metal, leaving the reverse side smooth and flush. Nuts can vary in size and material; a mating screw typically finishes out the fastening job.
Used primarily to stack or space components, spacers or standoffs come in both thru-threaded and blind threaded versions. Spacer heads are always flush with the sheet post-installation. Concealed head types leave surfaces smooth and closed. Snap-top standoffs are used with circuit boards and snap for easier assembly and disassembly.
With captive screws that minimize loose components and mitigate the risk of hardware that gets loose or damaged, or falls out of the setup, self-clinching fasteners are ideal for access hardware use.
Key-lock fasteners are used to connect two sheets of metal while keeping each side flush and smooth. They can join two metal sheets while allowing one sheet to be removed from the other by sliding the top sheet sideways. These self-clinching fasteners can also be used as pivot points, since they rotate.
These fasteners are used to attach wires and cables to electronic enclosures without the use of adhesives or screws. For components that need to be replaced or serviced, hooks can be used to bundle wires at mounting points.
Self-clinching fasteners, as their name suggests, do not require you to purchase any major installation equipment for smaller components; a Pemserter Micro-Mate hand tool is all you will need. Remember the following when installing the self-clinching fastener of choice:
There are many benefits of using self-clinching fasteners, but here are the most important, top-level benefits to their correct use:
The HTF team is ready to help you in any way you need.
We have a wide array of high-quality, precision-made self-clinching fasteners available that can meet any need and function. And we can deliver them faster than anyone else in the market.
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