Fixing a joystick with only screws

[Nacimroc]

I have been fixing joysticks with t-nuts and bolts for years, but I'm just wondering if anyone just fixed them with 6 screws into MDF from below? And if so did they tear out, or break etc? It's a lot of hassle making hole for t-nuts, filling, sanding, sealing etc. Screws would be a lot easier, but I don't know about them lasting with people hanging off them.

[PL1]

I have been fixing joysticks with t-nuts and bolts for years, but I'm just wondering if anyone just fixed them with 6 screws into MDF from below? And if so did they tear out, or break etc? It's a lot of hassle making hole for t-nuts, filling, sanding, sealing etc. Screws would be a lot easier, but I don't know about them lasting with people hanging off them.

Using regular screws in MDF is a bad idea due to the small surface area of screw threads and their tendency to chew up the MDF into fibers, especially if you have to remove and reinstall them.

There are inserts like these that will work great -- much greater surface area with the wider, flatter threads.



Related thread and installed pic here.

Words of wisdom from Dr. V:

Two words

Insert nuts

http://www.google.com/search?q=insert+nuts

You drill a hole on the underside of the CP, screw them in with a screwdriver and then screw bolts into the nuts. Works WAY better than putting a bolt through the CP top.

Scott

[paigeoliver]

I have screwed them into plywood from the bottom with wood screws and had no issues.

What joysticks are you using that have six screws? All 60ish of mine have 4.

[danny_galaga]

Mine have counter sunk bolts. The heads are hidden by a thin piece of aluminium. Of course it will probably be a huge hassle if I ever have to take the sticks out again, but I wasn't thinking that far ahead 

[paigeoliver]

Eh, plexi on any complex panel is just as bad. You have to take down the entire panel just to dust under the plexi.

Mine have counter sunk bolts. The heads are hidden by a thin piece of aluminium. Of course it will probably be a huge hassle if I ever have to take the sticks out again, but I wasn't thinking that far ahead 

[PL1]

I have screwed them into plywood from the bottom with wood screws and had no issues.

Wood screws in plywood = OK.

Wood screws in MDF = bad.

OP specifically asked about MDF.


Scott

[Nacimroc]

T-nuts just seem like too much effort. I never thought insert nuts would last from abuse over years, but will give them a go. I suppose if they ever did come loose, I could just rotate joystick base plate 90 degrees and re-fix.

Thanks all.

[TOK]

I have been fixing joysticks with t-nuts and bolts for years, but I'm just wondering if anyone just fixed them with 6 screws into MDF from below? And if so did they tear out, or break etc? It's a lot of hassle making hole for t-nuts, filling, sanding, sealing etc. Screws would be a lot easier, but I don't know about them lasting with people hanging off them.

I would just do carriage bolts clear through the panel before doing that. It doesn't look as polished as totally hidden hardware, but its durable and plenty of "real" games came like that.