Stupid aluminum question

[starleen2]

Ok, the build is finally ready for its aluminum skin, however, it cannot all be done in one piece. I plan to skin over 3/8 plywood substrate. I want to use screws and a simple lap joint . Now for the question: What type and alloy of screw would be the best (Panhead, stainless, etc) that would not react with the aluminum?

[Dean_A]

I used stainless steel pan head screws. A good, cheap source for SS screws is http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

[asianflava]

I used stainless screws on my aluminum trim.

[madjack]

I used stainless steel pan head screws. A good, cheap source for SS screws is http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

...yep, I use the same from the same...on FASTENAL's site, they have a store locator and if you check it out, there may be one within driving distance of you........
madjack

[cuyeda]

I used stainless steel pan head screws. A good, cheap source for SS screws is http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

...yep, I use the same from the same...on FASTENAL's site, they have a store locator and if you check it out, there may be one within driving distance of you........
madjack

OMG! There is a location about 2 miles from me! Yipee! Thanks for the referral.

[asianflava]

OMG! There is a location about 2 miles from me! Yipee! Thanks for the referral.

Once you know about them, you see them everywhere.

[Dean_A]

I used stainless steel pan head screws. A good, cheap source for SS screws is http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

...yep, I use the same from the same...on FASTENAL's site, they have a store locator and if you check it out, there may be one within driving distance of you........
madjack

OMG! There is a location about 2 miles from me! Yipee! Thanks for the referral.

No problem. I have one close to me as well. If you try to buy your SS screws from the big box stores, you'll go broke in a hurry.

They also stock a great Polyurethane sealant there called TremPro. It comes in Aluminum grey. I've been really happy with it so far.

[cuyeda]

If you try to buy your SS screws from the big box stores, you'll go broke in a hurry.

Amen! I went to Lowes hoping to find a "box" of SS screws. What I found was a small package of 5 screws to a bag. I did buy a 10 screws (2 bags), to plug up a few missing screw holes. This morning I went to Fastenal, and got the catalog.

[BPFox]

I used stainless steel pan head screws. A good, cheap source for SS screws is http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

I think you might want to consider using a "truss head" screw instead of a "pan head" screw. They are lower profile but offer more surface area. Just a thought.

[starleen2]

I used stainless steel pan head screws. A good, cheap source for SS screws is http://www.fastenal.com/web/home.ex

...yep, I use the same from the same...on FASTENAL's site, they have a store locator and if you check it out, there may be one within driving distance of you........
madjack

OMG! There is a location about 2 miles from me! Yipee! Thanks for the referral.

Even better - there is one just three blocks from me! Didn't even know what they were even though I have driven by several times - bought all my trim screw from them - stainless of course!