1/4"-20 stainless bolts threaded into 1/8" thick 6063 aluminum. 1

[David Wallace]

I need to determine a safe working load for the tensile strength of this connection and its giving me trouble. Any tips out there? Dave Wallace and then there is the question of torque so as to not damage the aluminum.

 

[drawoh]

And I cannot find the notes on shear failure in the Machinerys Handbook (mine is 13th addition 1946). DW

I collect old books. If I saw that in an old book store, I would snap it up immediately. For serious work, I think it is time for a new one.[ ]

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JHG

 

[David Wallace]

riv-nuts sound promising. a meeting tomorrow may move the goal posts. All the feedback is greatly appreciated. DW

 

[IFRs]

You might get better results drilling a pilot hole and then using a #17 self-tapping screw. It has a smaller head ( good for appearance ), the body is thicker than 1/4", it will enlarge the hole to the root depth of the screw which also tends to make the material slightly thicker there, they are available in SS, I've screwed many thousands into 6061-T6, the Aluminum Association has recommended hole sizes but trying one out for you situation would be best.