Screws for putting a lock on an aluminium door

psd99

psd99

psd99

Soldato
Joined
7 Sep 2008
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hi guys,

I'm looking to secure a lock (patio lock) on to one of those old school aluminium doors.

I tried to screw in normal screws (no pilot hole) however this did not work and the screw would just not go in.

which type of screw is it that I actually need?Bit worried about tread size etc it doesn't need to be that long though.
 
ok so maybe 'i need to use a very small drill bit for a pilot hole?

I don't think a bolt will work here, the width of the door just isn't wide enough.
which screws should I use?
 
thanks all! £5 in screw fix for a pack but I only need like 4 screws lol will see if I can get them cheaper in singles from a local hardware shop.

I got lots of screws but don't seem to have this type!
 
psd99 said:
hi guys,

I'm looking to secure a lock (patio lock) on to one of those old school aluminium doors.

I tried to screw in normal screws (no pilot hole) however this did not work and the screw would just not go in.

which type of screw is it that I actually need?Bit worried about tread size etc it doesn't need to be that long though.
Click to expand...
Usually it's only 2mm ali-not a lot of strength, I would use rivets and mechanical screws for locks.
 
Use the right screws for the job. Self tapping metal are the by far easiest in the scenario you have.
Wood screws may just about do the job, but will probably be pretty well chewed up during the process, a screw is only as strong as the thread, if you nigh on strip the thread how much hold do you think its going to have?

Honestly they are so cheap i am struggling to understand why you would do anything other than right

There is often 2 ways to do a job, right, and again
 
ok boss

I'm getting the screws today but I realised that I might need to put a bit of wood underneath the lock so that the lock actually fits. I take it the tapper screws will be fine going into wood?! otherwise I will test it out on a small block
 
They should be fine yes, they are self tapper in that they will cut a thread so they are hardened in order to do so, you will definately need to pilot wood though or you risk splitting.
You may be better drilling holes then screws will go through without even engaging the thread in the wood

How much do you think you will need to pad it out by?
Consider washers or plastic as well as opposed to wood depending on thickness if you need to pad out
 
psd99 said:
are you sure this will work 100%? I wouldn't want to test this on the door for it not to work
Click to expand...

No I'm not sure at all but by drilling tiny pilot holes, it will help self tappers too so is a step in the right direction.

Aluminium is quite a tough metal to drill, you'd probably have to try and make a small dent with a bradawl/nail to stop the drill slipping all over.
 
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