Turnbutton / Commonsence fasteners

snj5 · 12 March 2010, 07:02 PM

For the common turnbutton panel fasteners, is there an oval punch tool for making the holes in metal panels, or any hole reinforcement grommets that go with?
If so, where available?
Many thanks!
rt

13 March 2010, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snj5

For the common turnbutton panel fasteners, is there an oval punch tool for making the holes in metal panels, or any hole reinforcement grommets that go with?
If so, where available?
Many thanks!
rt

If not aviation dedicated supply, try marine supply. This kind of thing is also used in the marine industry. Here's a link to a similar tool Pres-N-Snap Installation Tool It's not what your looking for specificall, but it is a lead.

hank jarrett · 13 March 2010, 05:11 AM

Check with upholstery shops that work on classic and antique cars too. Some of them have bins of different ones to support their restorations. All kinds of shapes and styles, and you might just walk out the door with it instead of having to place an order.
Hank

Maxim08 · 13 March 2010, 05:17 AM

Russ,
There are reinforcing plates available. BTW, theses are generally referred to as 'Murphy' fastners. The above posts will show the way as virtually every marine supply shop carries them and usually in both plated brass and stainless steel.
Regards,
John

jumpinjan · 13 March 2010, 07:08 AM

You might use an oval shaped, Diacro metal punch to make the holes in sheetmetal?
Some more info on Murphy fasteners
http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/re...l-latches.html

snj5 · 13 March 2010, 07:46 AM

Found two tools:
Fastener Tools, Canvas and Upholstery Fastener Tools and Upholstery Supplies

and lots of fasteners. I am thinking one would rivet a double height fastener below the base panel and then have holes in the base panel and top panel through which the fastener protrudes.

jumpinjan · 13 March 2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snj5

...one would rivet a double height fastener below the base panel and then have holes in the base panel and top panel through which the fastener protrudes.

I didn't think of installing them in that way, it would be stronger that way.
This "hand punch" has prongs to make the four holes around the oval hole.
http://www.perfectfit.com/15336/1558...e-Eyelets.html

Those would need to be ground down, and then I doubt you could punch through sheetmetal, even using a hammer.
What sheetmetal thickness are the panels and alloy are you using? Can you give the dimensions of the oval? I'll see if I have a punch of that size.
Jan

snj5 · 20 March 2010, 05:59 PM

Went to Old Kingsbury today and the D VII had them and I looked it over.. Roger Freeman told me today they had a punch made to do it, but it was loaned out and never returned. What seemed to happen also is the grommets were put in with a drill with 4 small holes for the prongs, which were folded over.

One proceedure using just a drill I have thought of is:

1. Panels fixed in place over each other
2. Drill small hole through both panels just big enough for the turn button
3. drill small holes to rivet in turn button to give proper orientation on base panel - may want to put oval holed washer around
4.rivet in turnbuttons (and washer if desired)
5. using template, drill 4 small holes for grommet prongs in top panel, careful of orientation
6.install grommet, bending prongs to secure

snj5 · 28 March 2010, 04:23 PM

Got a response today from TVAL in New Zealand on how their experience with fixing these turnbuttons:

Quote:

Russ
We use the same turn buttons you mention in your e-mail.

We don’t use a punch to form the hole as we cut and shape the required
hole by drilling and filing to the correct size and use the brass

recess plate without the tabs which is then attached to the outside panel
with two solid rivets. We tried the other way at first but found it didn’t

work as well as it should though wear and tear and the tabs been too soft.
The tabs loosen and the outside plate moves around wrecking a paint
finish.

Hope this helps.

Paul Buchanan

The Vintage Aviator Ltd.
58 Kemp Street
Kilbirnie Wellington 6022
New Zealand

So, there is the answer from the pros. Will drill my grommet plates (his "recess plate") to be riveted. Have ordered the turnbuttons and plates - will see how we do in the next few weeks.
best
Russ

Nick · 26 June 2010, 06:05 PM

Hi Russ,
I’m probably a bit late with this as I think you’ve may have finished your panels by now. I’ve only just started but have just made up this simple tool for pressing out the holes for the turnbutton fasteners. It just fits in a drill press, use a piece of wood under it, then pull the handle and “Voila” it presses out a hole. Saves a lot of drilling and filing.

Cheers, Nick