Attaching screws to aluminum floor joists

[DavinD]

Short Version - Is it ok to use self-tapping screws to attach items to the aluminum floor joists on the ceiling of my basement.

Long Version - Like most basements, mine has a thin divider "protecting" the pluming and wiring from the stuff I store in the basement. That divider is only attached at the floor of the basement and on the two outside walls. In addition, they left a lot of open space in the "protected" area that can be used for storage if I clean up a few wires, etc. When I reconfigure this divider, would it be ok to attach wood framing to the underside of the aluminum floor joists to give the divider better support at the top. I would likely use self-tapping screws.

[deadticket8]

I love rivets. A rivet gun is a must have for rvers and it has come in real handy around the house as well. If you go with self tappers, stay away from home cheapo and lose. They sell crappy ones. (spelling intentional).

[westend]

Put some never-seize on the screws. It will act as a minimal barrier for electrolytic corrosion. Yes, you can attach wood to aluminum. You could even attach aluminum to aluminum if there is a source that is close to you and you can work with aluminum.

[mapguy]

Use rivet nuts -that way you can r&r the dividing panels an endless amount of times. With sheet metal screws -you will get a limited amount of r&r's before threads are gone and larger screws are needed.

[DavinD]

Thanks for all the replies. If my basement ceiling gets wet, I've got bigger problems. 🙂

[Hammerboy]

I did to my current and past units and not a hint of a problem. As said if it's dry you wont have a problem.

Dan

[Cummins12V98]

Plated screws are FINE!!! I would suggest trying sheet metal screws first as the driller screw will remove a lot of material and the aluminum does not have the holding power as other metals.

[Dusty_R]

Perhaps insert plastic concrete anchors in the aluminum and then the screws into the plastic anchors.

[naturist]

I would not expect electrolytic corrosion to be much of a problem generally with aluminum because of the aluminum oxide that always coats the aluminum. Certain conditions (such as in car cooling systems with the wrong coolant) being exceptions. If the OP’s screws stay dry, or see only fresh water at near neutral pH, there should be no issue with electrolytic corrosion.

[owenssailor]

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
electrolitic corrosion happens between dissimmilar metals. Maybe use aluminum pop rivets instead?

If it is a dry location corrosion should not be a problem. On our boat there are Stainless screws into the aluminum masts. They get wet and then dry. They have been there for 56 years and are still all fine.

[SDcampowneroper]

electrolitic corrosion happens between dissimmilar metals. Maybe use aluminum pop rivets instead?

[tbr2015]

Can’t see why that would be a problem. I have done it on mine to attach things to them.