I have some "very finely-threaded" screws with flat endings and some un-threaded aluminum "bar" (2mm thick). I wish to have that "bar" threaded according to the screws, but since they are not self-tapping, I can't directly (I tried, and just managed to eat away the aluminum).
I have a couple of questions:
- Can I thread (tap?) aluminum using a self-tapping screw, just like you would with wood?
- If so, can I do it with threads of differing "fineness" (number of revolutions per mm along the shaft)? I find it very unlikely I'll be able to find the right ones.
Please excuse me if I have used any wrong terminology, English is not my primary language. Corrections are very welcome!
Best Answer
Typically you would need to drill a pilot hole and then thread with a thread cutting tool such as this:
however, since you are only using 2mm aluminium it should be soft enough for you to cut your own thread. Note: this will never be as clean as using the proper threading tool:
your problem is that you used a self tapping screw, I would recommend that you drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than your intended hole, then use a machine screw to create the thread (basically by tightening the screw into the pilot hole)
A bonus, is that you can also look out for Thread cutting machine screws. In this case your pilot hole must be just big enough to fit the tip of the point (as you can see it tapers at the end)