Self-Clinching Nut Installation Dos and Don'ts

Dos

DO select the proper fastener material to meet corrosion requirements.
DO make certain that panel material is in the annealed condition.
DO make certain that hole punch is kept sharp to minimize work hardening around hole.
DO provide mounting hole of specified size for each fastener.
DO maintain the hole punch diameter to no greater than +.001"/.025 mm over the minimum recommended mounting hole for type SP nuts into stainless steel sheets.
DO install fastener into hole punch side of sheet.
DO make certain that shank (or pilot) is within hole before applying installation force.
DO make certain that fastener is not installed adjacent to bends or other highly cold-worked areas.
DO apply squeezing force between parallel surfaces.
DO utilize recommended installation tooling when installing fasteners.
DO apply sufficient force to totally embed clinching ring around entire circumference and to bring shoulder squarely in contact with sheet.

DON'T attempt to install any self-clinching nut other than types SP/SMPP fasteners into a stainless steel sheet.
DON'T install steel or stainless steel fasteners in aluminum panels before anodizing or finishing.
DON'T deburr mounting holes on either side of sheet before installing fasteners – deburring will remove metal required for clinching fastener into sheet.
DON'T install fastener closer to edge of sheet than minimum edge distance indicated by manufacturer – unless a special fixture is used to restrict bulging of sheet edge.
DON'T over-squeeze. It will crush the head, distort threads, and buckle the sheet. Approximate installation forces are listed in performance data tables. Use this info as a guide. Be certain to determine optimum installation force by test prior to production runs.
DON'T attempt to insert fastener with a hammer blow – under any circumstances. A hammer blow won't permit the sheet metal to flow and develop an interlock with the fastener's contour.
DON'T install screw in the head side of fastener. Install from opposite side so that the fastener load is toward sheet. The clinching force is designed only to hold the fastener during handling and to resist torque during assembly.
DON'T install fastener on pre-painted side of panel.