how do you cut threads into aluminum?

Walleye

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Dec 1, 2002
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i *think* somewhere i have the tools to do this.. what might they look like, and how would i go about doing it? i need to cut the threads to screw motherboard standoffs into aluminum sheeting.
 

JC

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Feb 1, 2000
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With a thread tap, and aluminum-appropriate cutting fluid.
 

thirtythree

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Aug 7, 2001
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at first I thought you were talking about forum threads... then I realized that didn't make any sense.
 

RossGr

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Jan 11, 2000
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It's called a Tap. Go to your local hardware store, I believe that the common stand off thread is a 6-32, you will also need the correct sized drill bit (28 or 29 (?) ) check that when you buy the tap. Be carefull it is pretty easy to snap a 6-32 tap in Al. Use some thread cutting oil and go slow.
 

Walleye

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Dec 1, 2002
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well, now i know what it's called... but damn, it looks like just about everything else in the garage... :(

i wouldnt know where to start looking...
 

Walleye

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Dec 1, 2002
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Originally posted by: RossGr
It's called a Tap. Go to your local hardware store, I believe that the common stand off thread is a 6-32, you will also need the correct sized drill bit (28 or 29 (?) ) check that when you buy the tap. Be carefull it is pretty easy to snap a 6-32 tap in Al. Use some thread cutting oil and go slow.

thanks for the threading numbers though :) that'll shorten my search.
 

Squisher

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
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Originally posted by: RossGr
It's called a Tap. Go to your local hardware store, I believe that the common stand off thread is a 6-32, you will also need the correct sized drill bit (28 or 29 (?) ) check that when you buy the tap. Be carefull it is pretty easy to snap a 6-32 tap in Al. Use some thread cutting oil and go slow.

Tap Magic is your friend.
 

Walleye

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Dec 1, 2002
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alrighty, the 6 32 tap worked :) i got it working, running.. apparently, the correct drill bit for a 6 32 tap is #36.
 

RossGr

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Jan 11, 2000
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Originally posted by: Walleye
alrighty, the 6 32 tap worked :) i got it working, running.. apparently, the correct drill bit for a 6 32 tap is #36.

Opps! Sorry about that :) Thats what happens when I rely on memory without checking. I was beginging to wonder about the 6-32 part also, glad that was correct.
 

Walleye

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Dec 1, 2002
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Originally posted by: RossGr
Originally posted by: Walleye
alrighty, the 6 32 tap worked :) i got it working, running.. apparently, the correct drill bit for a 6 32 tap is #36.

Opps! Sorry about that :) Thats what happens when I rely on memory without checking. I was beginging to wonder about the 6-32 part also, glad that was correct.

yeah, dun worry. i looked at the bit, thought "this is just a bit big..." and just eyeballed it. i used a 38.. accidently. oh well, the threads work, the system works. tomorrow i cut blowholes, and hard drive mounts, and mount everything... then OS install, and i'm done! :D