Chum lee wrote:
twodownzero wrote:
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I would drill and tap every hole and install an appropriate hex head bolt in it, probably with some antiseize.
It's a minority of at least two. Sheet metal screws are not generally used to attach to mild steel structural members. That's a job for finer threaded self tapping machine screws which require a pilot hole. I like the idea of drilling and tapping if you ever plan to remove them for future service/repairs. (wet location corrosion)
Chum lee
Self drilling and tapping sheet metal screws are exactly how metal buildings are put together. I’ve installed thousands of them into high strength purlins with probably a half a dozen failures. Galvanized and painted.
Years later they come right out because they have their own sealing gaskets
