Paneling nails for aluminum frame?

Well what a difference a day makes. Talking to SWMBO (she who must be obeyed), she didn't want to see visible self tapping screws.

I took RoyB's advise and I went to Home Depot (closer than Lowes) and got a battery powered 16ga nailer.

I used small dabs of liquid nails across the aluminum frame and the nailer to hold in place to keep it from sagging.

I'll post pictures once I get the paint and trim work up. Thanks for all the advise, without it, I might have skipped the adhesive

Unless the aluminum frame is wood-backed, a nail or staple is of no use. Screws made to attach to metal and adhesive would be your best bet. You could also attach some ledgers or other pieces of wood between/onto the aluminum frames but that seems like a lot of work and will take up insulation space.

Adhesive is a great option. I've used Loctite PL FastGrab Premium in a similar situation and it makes a very strong if not permanent bond between aluminum and whatever. Unlike some construction adhesives, this particular one is recommended for use on foam insulation, which may or may not be important to you depending on what sort of insulation your trailer has.

Aluminum extrusions in general can often be drilled and screwed and so forth rather similarly to wood. Sheet metal screws would be one option, though they might tend to work loose. Although their appearance isn't always the best, lath screws (Teks is one brand) can be handy because they have big flat heads that secure paneling decently without pulling through the thin plywood.

There is a reason they don't use nails, they won't hold, Use adhesive. Even screws will back out. Where they hang cabinets most use wood inside the aluminum so the screw has something to hold it in place.

locktite sure grip

I would use self tapping screws. If they didn't work because the aluminum was too thick I have drilled pilot holes with SST screws. They won't rust and don't look bad either.

My hat is off to you for ripping out the panels yourself.. Would be gutsy move for me haha

I would look for fastners with the ribbed shanks for aluminum frames... The more pronounced ribs the better...

Something like this google image - I don't think these ribs shown are not really pronounced enough for aluminun framing


It might require a screw instead at least in the four corners... A quick trips to LOWES should fix you right up haha... I always found those guys with a wealth of info along this line

Roy Ken