How to close enclosure - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: made2hack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 01:51:17 pm
content: Hey all,I have this enclosure (see picture) that I cannot seem to screw closed. When I put the screw in, it is a self-tapper and it has nothing to grab onto. The holes that I think are made for the screw are drilled through. As a result, the screw has noting to grab on to.Am I supposed to use some of the other mounting points? It seems that the four corners are the logical place since it would also distribute the feet evenly.Here's thedatasheet for the Kradex Z1box.Thanks,

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 02:09:00 pm
content: Looks like you have 2 bottom pieces there... ?

author: made2hack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 03:25:12 pm
content: You think?I mean I can't tell from the datasheet if there should be a difference, but you could be right I guess.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 03:38:58 pm
content: If both pieces have through holes you have two bottoms. The top cover should have blind holes.

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 04:40:08 pm
content: Maybe try this with 4 short machine screws/washers/nuts..?

author: pieman103021
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 04:44:54 pm
content: Where did you get the enclosure? If you had it lying around you might be out of luck. If you bought it from somewhere consult them, try returning it or seeing if they can send you a top half of the case.

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 10:32:42 pm
content: If you can't source a lid try plugging the holes with silicone adhesive first, then screw the fasteners into the cured silicone. Stripped wire insulation can also work effectively as a shim for self tappers but requires a blind hole.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 02:19:09 am
content: Why am I seeing those are nails instead of screws ?Also don't you think its too long ?

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 05:54:41 am
content: They are screws. You just need to look closer....

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 06:01:36 am
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on March 28, 2017, 02:09:00 pmQuote from: made2hack on March 28, 2017, 03:25:12 pmThere are sufficient measurements on those drawings to be able to identify a bottom piece and a cover piece. Check the internal pillar locations.

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 01:02:10 pm
content: Kradex site shows there is both a top and bottom, with and without cooling slots. IMO poorly made stuff.. Product here:https://www.kradex.com.pl/shop?product=z1&lang=en&session=aaf27c78c2235354702c742a9cace193Seems op has nothing else to report..?

author: made2hack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 02:13:33 pm
content: I've sent mail to TME to see if they reply.Other than that, I will probably fill with hot glue or silicone and just use the two halves as is. I mean, it cost like 2 euros so it's not like it is worth either sending it back or waiting for another one to come in.Unless TME just sends me one at their cost.

author: pieman103021
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 02:17:24 pm
content: Quote from: made2hack on March 29, 2017, 02:13:33 pmOkay, good luck. If it cost only 2€ then it isn't too much of a loss if you have to find another source.

author: OpenCircuit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 06:13:15 am
content: I would fill with JB Weld or epoxy...silicone is too weak.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 06:30:42 am
content: Could you use a larger diameter screw that would bite into the sides of the hole?I also noticed that your screws look different than the ones shown on their web site. I can't tell if they're the same size.Ed

author: MrBungle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 06:33:34 am
content: Quote from: made2hack on March 28, 2017, 03:25:12 pmHere's the difference:

author: made2hack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 07:33:55 am
content: Ahh, good spotting.I think I glazed over that image a whole bunch of times.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 11:00:17 am
content: My method for fixing stripped plastic threads, which I expect would work for oversized holes as well.Make sure the screw threads are lightly oiled. Mix up a small amount of epoxy and fill hole with toothpick/tool. Insert/screw screw to a normal depth and angle in wet epoxy. Let it cure for at least 20 minutes longer than the advertised cure time. Unscrew screw...it should come out if you remembered to oil it beforehand. Trim repair with a sharp blade as required. All fixed.