what is the fastener that goes in these holes? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: djacobow
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 08:23:55 pm
content: I am designing a battery-operating thingy and am using this PCB-mount battery holder from Keystone:https://www.keyelco.com/product.cfm/product_id/1033This is a TH part with holes in it for, presumably a rivet of some kind. The question I have: what sort of rivet would I use? Can I get them and a tool to place them for < $100?They have an SMT battery holder, too. It costs a lot more and has a larger fooprint, which is a problem for me. I'd prefer to figure out how to make use of those holes if I could.

author: MLXXXp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 08:40:10 pm
content: Are the battery holder holes countersunk? If so, I found that some small flat head screws worked for a similar holder.https://www.mlxxxp.ca/electronics/intervalometer/

author: djacobow
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 09:35:52 pm
content: These particular holders have three holes diagonally from one corner to the other. The center one is countersunk, the others are not.But I don't know what I would screw into. This is a PCB mount component and it's going on a PCB. My PCB has matching holes as per the datasheet, I just put of figuring out how I would use them. To-date I have been using hold melt glue + the pins to hold the component in place.

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 09:39:48 pm
content: I'm not sure exactly...My first thought is something like this:http://www.essentracomponents.com/en-us/fasteners/rivets/push-in-rivets/push-in-rivets-snap/sr-3550wDoesn't look like it's countersunk and the proximity of the hole to side-wall makes fitting anything there seem a bit challenging.---How about using this holder:https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/mpd-memory-protection-devices/BC2AAAPC/BC2AAAPC-ND/2439242The mounting holes are on the center line, and look like they could accommodate an M2.5 screw.---Or use 4 of these:https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/mpd-memory-protection-devices/BK-82/BK-82-ND/2079903

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 10:08:12 pm
content: Stimpson GS-3eyelets are typically used.I would get samples and see if the battery holder is actually practical. Many of them out there are stupid like this Keystone part.1/2" long pins? mysterious center hole? If Keystone was smart they would put a hook for a PCB slot and then no fasteners needed. Or add a third pin at the other end.The mounting holes are to the side of each cell so the fasteners could have thickness, but the center rib is thereThe MPD devices are better thought out, the center rib is out of the way of any fasteners (screw heads). They suggest 2-56 or GS-3.There is a lot of manufacturing labour to hand-install screws, lockwashers etc.Consider using two single battery holders, they solder in.

author: djacobow
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 10:27:38 pm
content: Thanks, Floobydust. I'll check out these eyelets and the bench press. I think the center hole doesn't have a rib, so maybe it will work. Super strong attachment isn't really necessary, but obviously, not interfering with the batteries is.

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 10:51:56 pm
content: Double sided tape. VHB if you want it to be permanent...cheers,george.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 10:56:42 pm
content: Don't forget to keep PCB traces and ground-pour clear of the fasteners.TheKeystonemetal battery clips and holders have sharp sheet-metal edges and cut through solder-mask and short the holder to any ground pour or traces running under.If someone drops your product, I find the batteries go flying out. For handheld stuff that gets banged around, I add Velcro strip slots to add a strip to hold the batteries in.