how do you cut threads into aluminum?

[Walleye]

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.

 

[Bulk Beef]

tap, as in tap 'n die

 

[JC]

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

 

[notfred]

With a tap, same as cutting threads into any other metal.

 

[thirtythree]

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

 

[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.

 

[Walleye]

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]

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]

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]

alrighty, the 6 32 tap worked 🙂 i got it working, running.. apparently, the correct drill bit for a 6 32 tap is #36.

 

[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.

 

[Walleye]

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! 😀