I bought a heavy-duty power strip from Walmart which I would like to mount to the metal support structure of a banquet table.
This is the power strip:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/49557487
This is the banquet table:
https://www.staples.com/product_1321933
There is a smooth metal surface along the under edge of the table to which adds mechanical support. It is roughly the same height as the power strip is wide and is a perfect place to hide the strip to be used for connecting a number of electronics.
The problem I have is that I don't know how to go about securing the strip. I tried 3M Scotch 30lb mounting tape:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/203405976
This worked OK for a while but the weight of the strip itself caused it to tilt over time until it finally detached from the adhesive. The adhesive held just fine to the table but was weak at bonding with the plastic of the strip.
The back of the strip has what appear to be two mounting holes in the form of a cross (one on each end) which I believe is meant for mounting:
I have no problem punching a hole in the metal frame to mount this but I don't know what tool would be required to perform this task. The metal appears to be 1/4" steel and has a lip on the bottom which would prevent me from using some kind of punch which must clamp flush with a piece of sheet metal.
What is the proper way to go about mounting this strip so that it is secure and won't fall off again but will allow removal for later transportation. Note that removal isn't as important but the strip does have a fuse and it would be useful to be able to easily swap it out if it does break at some point in the future.
Best Answer
Regardess of the intent of the cross, the metal endcap of the power strip has a hole shaped like a gourd (or like a male chicken and globes, if you have a dirty mind).
That is designed to be used with a screw mounting. The screw should be chosen so the head just fits through the larger diameter, but only the shaft fits in the slot. Slide the screw head theough the hole, slide it down into the slot, then tighten the screw tight so it can't move.
Now only a firm sideward pull will dislodge it. You can stop that by a cleverly placed additional screw.
If your steel is even 1/16", I would consider drilling and tapping the hole for the screw.