Question 1

What holds the fastener in the sheet?

Accepted Answer

The squeezing force on the fastener causes the sheet material beneath the head to cold flow into the back-tapered shank or undercut of the fastener securely locking it in place.

Question 2

Can I install a self-clinching fastener with a hammer blow or similar force?

Accepted Answer

No, a self-clinching fastener must be installed using a squeezing action. A quick impact installation will not allow sufficient time for the sheet material to cold flow.

Question 3

Do I need special equipment to install self-clinching fasteners?

Accepted Answer

No. Self-clinching fasteners are installed using any type of parallel acting press which will squeeze the fastener in place.

Question 4

Does the shape of the self-clinching fastener change during installation?

Accepted Answer

No, the fastener does not deform in any way. There is no flaring, crimping, swaging, peening, or riveting necessary.

Question 5

Which self-clinch fasteners can be used in ultra thin sheets?

Accepted Answer

Thin sheet nuts, studs & standoffs can be used in sheets thinner than 1mm.
Product code: M-TFH, M-TFHS, M-TSO, M-TSOS, M-TSOA, M-SMPS

Question 6

Which products can be used in PC boards?

Accepted Answer

Broaching products.
Product codes: M-KFH, M-KFE, M-KFSE, M-KF2, M-KFS2

Question 7

What is the difference between knurled and plain grip?

Accepted Answer

Blind rivet nuts, with knurled grip offer a higher torsional resistance to plain grip.

Question 8

Can we strip and re-plate a panel after the plated fasteners are installed?

Accepted Answer

Stripping and re-plating is not recommended. Stripping a panel after plated fasteners are installed can damage the fastener. The recommended alternatives to this are the first choice – plate the panel and then install the plated fasteners. The second choice is – install un-plated fasteners into an un-plated sheet and then plate altogether.

Question 9

Do any of the self-clinching fasteners offer a water-tight seal?

Accepted Answer

The only self-clinching fasteners that will provide a complete water-tight seal are the M-CH line of concealed head studs and standoffs. These fasteners are clinched (pressed) into a blind hole, thereby keeping the reverse side of the sheet undisturbed and free of any voids that might allow any liquid to seep through. 
Product code: M-CHA, M-CHC

Question 10

I notice some of the fasteners have a hexagonal-shaped head. Do I have to punch a hexagonal mounting hole to install these?

Accepted Answer

No. All self-clinching fasteners are installed into a round punched or drilled hole. A hexagonal head will cause the sheet material to cold flow around the head to provide high torque-out resistance. The hex head will be flush in the sheet when installed.

Question 11

Is there a maximum sheet thickness I should be concerned with before specifying self-clinching fasteners?

Accepted Answer

Generally, there is no specified maximum thickness for sheets. However, because of their special design and function, a few fastener types do specify a thickness range which includes a maximum.

Question 12

Will self-clinching fasteners be damaged if they are welded to the panel for extra security?

Accepted Answer

The self-clinching feature of a self-clinching fastener makes welding an unnecessary step. Self-clinching fasteners, when properly installed, have adequate holding power in the sheet without welding. In fact, self-clinching technology was originally conceived, and is, a less costly, cleaner and more dependable alternative to weld fasteners.

Question 13

Won’t these fasteners fall out, twist out, or spin in their mounting holes if I tighten down too hard?

Accepted Answer

No. Typical torque-out values are generally quite high compared to the rotational force that will be put on them. In fact, for most quality self-clinching nuts, the screw will fail before the nut rotates in the material.

Question 14

Can stainless steel self-clinching fasteners be used in stainless steel material?

Accepted Answer

No, it has to be a hardened stainless steel.
Product code: Hardened stainless steel products can be identified when there is a '4' (400 series) i.e. M-SO4, M-BSO4

Question 15

Do I need access to both sides of the sheet when inserting blind rivet nuts or blind rivets?

Accepted Answer

No, the blind rivet nuts or blind rivets are one of the few sheet metal products that can be installed from one side only.

FAQs