Great underbelly enclosure videos
For folks who (like me) are thinking about tackling this big modification project, I'd recommend these two videos: Part I Part II The videos are kind of long, but I think that most of the len...
Forum Discussion
Just a little comment about self tapping screws:
I use them every day in my work, building patio covers, solariums, sunrooms and more. All these applications are done with self drilling, or self tapping, tek screws.
After 44 years of this work I've put a staggering amount of these screws in, and I've learned a few things. So anyways, to my point:
There are many types of these screws and varying quality. One company whose product I install uses the cheapest poor quality screws available. They just don't want to poke a hole in light aluminum extrusions. Other brands the screw goes in as if the hole is already there.
Some have a good drill point, others don't.
Pre drilling the holes works, but it is a bit time consuming.
A few hints:
1) Buy a decent quality screw! No cheap Chinese soft metal junk.
2) Don't use a screw with too small of a shank. A number 8 screw can and likely will labor to try to get through the metal. Move up to a number 10 or even 12 screw and it will cut its way through a lot faster and easier.
3) If you are leaning on the drill and the screw doesn't want to go through, try rotating the whole drill in small elliptical circles a bit. Not a lot, maybe 10 degrees max.
4) On the same line as point 3, if the screw is being stubborn, stop, run it in reverse while pushing hard for a second or 2, then go forward again. This unloads the drill point of a buildup of metal.
5) If all else fails, yeah, drill a pilot hole!
6) Use hex head screws. The US Phillip's head screws are dismal at best. Canadian Robertson is better, but you have to be real accurate at keeping the bit aligned perfect with the screw.
7) Use a clutch drill. If you're pushing hard and it suddenly goes in, the torque can snap the head off the screw, or the driver bit.
8) Don't use stainless steel screws. They are soft, weak and will break. And they don't drill in worth a hoot.
Don't use cheap junk home handyman grade screws or drill bits from Home Depot or similar. Seek out an industrial supply store where the tradesmen shop. Buy your screws and bits there.
Don't forget your goggles... you'll be on your back with your work above you. Hot piece of steel in the eye isn't fun. Ask me how I know that.....
I use them every day in my work, building patio covers, solariums, sunrooms and more. All these applications are done with self drilling, or self tapping, tek screws.
After 44 years of this work I've put a staggering amount of these screws in, and I've learned a few things. So anyways, to my point:
There are many types of these screws and varying quality. One company whose product I install uses the cheapest poor quality screws available. They just don't want to poke a hole in light aluminum extrusions. Other brands the screw goes in as if the hole is already there.
Some have a good drill point, others don't.
Pre drilling the holes works, but it is a bit time consuming.
A few hints:
1) Buy a decent quality screw! No cheap Chinese soft metal junk.
2) Don't use a screw with too small of a shank. A number 8 screw can and likely will labor to try to get through the metal. Move up to a number 10 or even 12 screw and it will cut its way through a lot faster and easier.
3) If you are leaning on the drill and the screw doesn't want to go through, try rotating the whole drill in small elliptical circles a bit. Not a lot, maybe 10 degrees max.
4) On the same line as point 3, if the screw is being stubborn, stop, run it in reverse while pushing hard for a second or 2, then go forward again. This unloads the drill point of a buildup of metal.
5) If all else fails, yeah, drill a pilot hole!
6) Use hex head screws. The US Phillip's head screws are dismal at best. Canadian Robertson is better, but you have to be real accurate at keeping the bit aligned perfect with the screw.
7) Use a clutch drill. If you're pushing hard and it suddenly goes in, the torque can snap the head off the screw, or the driver bit.
8) Don't use stainless steel screws. They are soft, weak and will break. And they don't drill in worth a hoot.
Don't use cheap junk home handyman grade screws or drill bits from Home Depot or similar. Seek out an industrial supply store where the tradesmen shop. Buy your screws and bits there.
Don't forget your goggles... you'll be on your back with your work above you. Hot piece of steel in the eye isn't fun. Ask me how I know that.....
