But sheet metal screws should never be used to fasten hardware to extruded aluminum spars masts booms spinnaker poles and so on because sheet metal screws are designed to be held in place by a single thread and are not meant to cut threads they distort the walls of the hole into a helix.
Attaching something to sheet of aluminum.
Wrap a piece of masking tape around the drill bit as a guide.
Measure and mark the length on the drill bit with masking tape.
With thin lightweight aluminum you can glue the metal using hot glue provided that the metal has a few holes drilled in it through which the melted glue can flow then harden.
When attaching a flag bracket to aluminum siding use only aluminum or nylon brackets.
Lift the sheet to the wall and press it against the drywall aligning at least.
Regardless of type self clinching fasteners install permanently in thin ductile metal sheets by being pressed into place in a properly sized drilled or punched hole and by applying sufficient squeezing force.
On its own the hot glue will not provide a very strong hold but used with holes in this manner it creates a mechanical bond strong enough to support the weight of the metal.
They can be used to securely fasten metals together including aluminum.
All other metals will react with the aluminum causing damage to the siding over time.
Use a metal bit to drill holes in the metal.
Select the proper drill bit.
Self tapping screws also called sheet metal screws are very versatile.
They can also be used to efficiently fasten metal to other materials such as wood or plastic by creating a much stronger bond than a regular nail.
Self clinching hardware typically is made from steel stainless steel or aluminum and many types can install permanently in metal sheets as thin as 0 020 in.