screw sizes in UK help

[IreM72]

Hi

I want to build a control panel quickly and based in the UK. I just want to be able to got into a UK store (B & Q, Wickes, screwfix etc.) and buy suitable screws/washer/nuts etc to attach my wico joystick into the panel. I won't be routing a recess for the joystick but just drilling a hole from the top and attaching it. I don't care if the heads show I just want to put it all together quickly. Could anyone recommend:

1. What screws/nuts, size etc. to buy from these stores?
2. Size of drill bit to use
3. Where do other UK members go for their screws,bolts etc.
4. Suitable screw types/sizes to build control panel from thses stores

Thanks for all the help.

[Franco B]

Avoid B&Q if you can, 10 nuts/bolts etc will generally cost you more than 100 nuts/bolts will from Screwfix.

To determine what size nuts/bolts you need measure the mounting holes in your Wico's and choose the next biggest size metric bolt you can fit through. I imagine the Wico's will be imperial and have a mounting hole of around 1/4". If it is a 1/4" (6.35mm) you want to use M6 screws and bolts. I'm just guessing here but a quick measure with a ruler should tell you.

As for mounting you have a couple of options. I would suggest either using insert nuts or pronged t-nuts.

Insert nuts:



Screwfix stock these insert nuts for £2.24 for 50. [Link]

I'm not sure what drill size you would need but they would soon tell you, I would guess its about 8mm.

These nuts screw in from the top of the panel and then you mount the joysticks underneath with M6 bolts/machine screws etc.

Tee nuts:



Screwfix also stock these M6 Tee nuts which are £1.68 for 10. [Link]

These are also mounted from the top. You need to drill a hole big enough to take the shank of the nuts (8mm IIRC) you would also need to counterbore the top of the hole with a spade or forsnter bit (~16mm IIRC) so that the head of the nut sits flush or just below the CP top.

You can then attach the joysticks from the bottom and screw into the nuts using M6 bolts/machine screws etc.

As for bolt/screw length: if you are mounting them to a 18mm thick panel I imagine you would want a screw length of around 20mm. If you are using the insert nuts you may need a slightly shorter length as there is a hex in the middle of the nut to drive it into the material so there isn't a screw thread all the way though the nut (unlike the tee nuts). [Link to M6x20 machine screws]

All of the sizes are approximate but it should give you an idea of what to do.

[IreM72]

Thanks for the informative reply Franco B. It's been a big help.

I found these female crimp connectors on their site: Quote No: 84786.  Are these the .187 connectors?

[Franco B]

No problem, happy to help where I can

I'm not sure about those crimps, the specs on the site give the wire gauge, not the terminal width.

0.187" is ~4.8mm so look for some 4.8mm terminals. [Here] are some on ebay that are cheaper than screwfix inc delivery. You may find some cheaper ones if you look around, thats just one of the 1st hits on ebay.