How to tap/thread a hole?

Craterloads

Craterloads

Craterloads

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Guys what tool do you use to thread hole in aluminium? Have been just drilling a smaller hole then going in with the bolt and it grinds its own channel out, bit too much work and not as effective.

Screws in question are 6-32 PSU style screws

What is best hole size to drill

and what tool / size to thread hole?
 
As other have said with a tap, Caged has the link above. ^

Depending how how thick the aluminum is depend how many threads you will get into it.

In the case of PC cases they punch the holes out and then tap them so there is more material behind the hole. If you drill it, you are removing the material and there won't be enough to get a good secure thread.
 
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Craterloads said:
cant see anything for 6-32, yes I need hand holding !
Click to expand...

6-32 indicates you are trying to tap a hole for a motherboard standoff (just a wild guess here). Chances are you can't tap the hole due to the thin sheet metal.

You will only end up getting 1 or 2 threads at most, which isn't very secure at all.


You are better off picking up a pack of nuts to sit on the back of the standoff.

This is what I used when modding a motherboard panel in a 350d for extra standoffs.

350dCaseMod04.JPG
 
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Just search for a 6-32 tap. Then buy an appropriate handle for it.

Don't forget to keep it lubricated as you cut - lots of YouTube videos explaining the process.
 
Craterloads said:
Sheets is thick (2.5mm) , plus into aluminium bars. Screws used for various jobs other than motherboard standoffs
Click to expand...

Should be ok using the tap then, you didn't mention it in the OP so had to assume a few things.

Pick up a 6-32 UNC tap and you should be all good.
 
jellybeard999 said:
6-32 is american iirc? Might be more difficult to get hold of.
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Yup it is, had a few issues when I looked for one my self before resorting to nuts as it was 1.5mm sheet steel.

Craterloads said:
Cool, best to use hand tap? (T shaped)

Some of them look like they go into drills?
Click to expand...

They might look like it, but they go into tap handles. When tapping you want it slow and controlled. Only real industrial taps will be powered.
 
cypto said:
As other have said with a tap, Caged has the link above. ^

Depending how how thick the aluminum is depend how many threads you will get into it.

In the case of PC cases they punch the holes out and then tap them so there is more material behind the hole. If you drill it, you are removing the material and there won't be enough to get a good secure thread.
Click to expand...
Use bigger self tapping screw after drilling?
 
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