Button head sheet metal screws

[Supe]

Anyone have any leads as to where I can find small quantities of stainless steel, button head sheet metal screws that take a standard allen key?  I have only had luck finding cap screws or button heads that take security/torx bits.  

 

[Jbone27 PE]

I worked at Fastenal in college. They should have these on hand or within a days shipping. Grainger may have them as well. 

 

[Ramnares P.E.]

@Supe I'm going to move this to the Mechanical Technical forum if you don't mind.

 

[Supe]

@Supe I'm going to move this to the Mechanical Technical forum if you don't mind.

Sorry, didn't scroll far enough!  Thanks

Jbone - I could not find a fastenal part number.  Same problem - security heads only in sheet metal screws.

 

[MA_PE]

Supe:  the Hillman Group makes a variety of fasteners http://www.hillmangroup.com/product/fastening-solutions/fasteners

You might want to call them and see if you're looking for a unicorn.  I'm curious, why only allen head?  What's that matter with using Torx for your application?

 

[Supe]

Supe:  the Hillman Group makes a variety of fasteners http://www.hillmangroup.com/product/fastening-solutions/fasteners

You might want to call them and see if you're looking for a unicorn.  I'm curious, why only allen head?  What's that matter with using Torx for your application?

Trying to stay consistent with the other fasteners for quick/easy service.  Every single other panel fastener that would need servicing is that configuration, but I have one instance where a panel is currently riveted instead of nut/bolted.  It will be a PITA to service since all the rivets will have to be drilled out, and I expect several of them to fail due to imperfect mating surfaces/angle of entry, hence the search for the sheet metal screw.  I have found one source that sells them for the RC car industry, but they are zinc plated, not stainless.

 

[Ramnares P.E.]

From the maintenance side, torx head fasteners are a pain in the a$$ as it requires 'special tools'.  However, from a public transportation perspective they are used to prevent the riding public from interfering.

 

[Supe]

This is for a racing application, so if the public is interfering, an ***-whooping will ensue.

 

[Audi Driver P.E.]

That right there is a bit of a unicorn.  I have a contact that can get you exactly what you want but it is an uncommon thing.  Message me if you want his contact info.  He is a rep that supplies fasteners to Fastenal and other similar distributers.

 

[MikeGlass1969]

Allen with security head??

 

[Supe]

Allen with security head??

Without.

 

[MA_PE]

Trying to stay consistent with the other fasteners for quick/easy service.  Every single other panel fastener that would need servicing is that configuration, but I have one instance where a panel is currently riveted instead of nut/bolted.  It will be a PITA to service since all the rivets will have to be drilled out, and I expect several of them to fail due to imperfect mating surfaces/angle of entry, hence the search for the sheet metal screw.  I have found one source that sells them for the RC car industry, but they are zinc plated, not stainless.

Are the other fasteners sheet metal screws or machine screws?

 

[Supe]

Are the other fasteners sheet metal screws or machine screws?

The other fasteners are machine screws with nylocks.  In this case, I am fastening to sheet metal, and do not have access to the backside of the panel.

 

[Audi Driver P.E.]

The other fasteners are machine screws with nylocks.  In this case, I am fastening to sheet metal, and do not have access to the backside of the panel.

Your best option then, might just be to implement some PEM nuts and use a machine screw.

 

[Supe]

I would normally use a rivnut, but this is one application where I don't want to risk it rounding out and free spinning in the hole.  Sheet metal screws are perfect for this, and if I have to go torx bit I will.

 

[MikeGlass1969]

Or...  Something from here...  https://autobodyclipsdirect.com/product-category/plastic-nuts/

 

[Supe]

The attaching panel has the screw holes very near the edge, so I can't oversize them any more.  I can't use clips/captive nuts on the mating panel, because it is not a flat edge, and the attachment points are way up near the middle of the panel (these are over-fenders which attach about mid-way up the OEM rear fenders.)

 

[Audi Driver P.E.]

I would normally use a rivnut, but this is one application where I don't want to risk it rounding out and free spinning in the hole.  Sheet metal screws are perfect for this, and if I have to go torx bit I will.

I've used PEM branded nuts for years and years and not had that issue.  The hole has to be properly sized, of course, but PEM stakes their reputation on no free-spin.

 

[Audi Driver P.E.]

The attaching panel has the screw holes very near the edge, so I can't oversize them any more.  I can't use clips/captive nuts on the mating panel, because it is not a flat edge, and the attachment points are way up near the middle of the panel (these are over-fenders which attach about mid-way up the OEM rear fenders.)

If that is the case, just go with a philips head.  Torx are a pain and are too easily confused with hex head if rework is done in a hurry.  You won't get quite the uniform look but you'll be better off.  Plus the screws are really readily available. 

 

[Supe]

May end up going that route.