Stainless Steel Panels

Kathy L

Just wondering if anybody has installed SS panels on metal doors.. ie: kickplates What type of screw would you use? Have installed a couple.. predrilled the holes and used regular metal screws.. went through alot of drill bits.. can self tapping screws be used? Cheers all..

joecaption

Use colbalt drills, run the drill slower. Might want to use pop rivits instead.

Kathy L

thanks for the suggestion on the drill bits.. will see if I can track them down.. was drilling slowly.. which helps and need a bit of a nicer look than rivets.. I had thought of those as well. Cheers

joecaption

Then use oval head screws and finish washers.
Far better look them just screws.
Google them for more info.

Kathy L

thanks .. had used pan head metal screws.. just trying to not use so many drill bits.. just looking into the cobalt bits and have picked up self tapping pan heads as well.. nice to have options on the job.. cheers

TarheelTerp

Whoever it is that you're buying the S/S from can also punch the holes you need...
using a tool they should already have.
You (or they) can also counter sink those holes for flat head screws.

A word to the wise:
S/S as thick as most brass kick plates are won't be cheap.

Kathy L

thanks, we have our panels made for a great price and we do get the holes punched on orders. Its the installation on metal doors that we are finding difficult in as much the number of drill bits we are going through.. Have also just picked up some drop down door stops to now install over the already installed SS panels on the metal doors.
Cheers

Kathy L

just to add to the above.. we are having to drill through the double edge on the metal doors with regards to how they are built. They seem to have a seam width of 3/4" or so.
It is a challenge.

joecaption

Move the holes into 1" then and miss the seam.
You can oder split point colbolt drill for companys like MSC, McMaster Carr.
Split points do not skate around like a reguler drill when first starting the drill.

Kathy L

thanks Joe.. yes, we will reset the holes on our new orders.. just wondering about the door stops at this time. No companies of that name in Canada.. me being in British Columbia.. am doing research on our suppliers.. thanks so much