provide installation instructions for SOUTHCO self-clinching products
This guide explains how to properly install SOUTHCO self-clinching fasteners by ensuring correct panel material hardness, hole diameter, and installation force. It covers mounting hole preparation, panel thickness, and installation tools. Installation should occur after plating or finishing, and over-installation must be avoided to maintain retention strength.
Key requirements include using a parallel-acting press, avoiding hammers, and ensuring hole edges are sharp but not chamfered. The minimum hole-to-edge distance is 1.5 times the hole diameter, and panel thickness must meet SOUTHCO’s minimum specifications.
The hardness of the panel material must not exceed SOUTHCO® recommendations.
The minimum recommended distance is 1.5 x the diameter of the mounting hole, unless otherwise indicated.
Use a parallel-acting press and a punch whose diameter is larger than the head of the fastener.