Quarter-turn panel studs are commonly used in the aerospace manufacturing industry. These specialty fasteners are secure, easy to install and long-lasting. If you’re thinking about using them, however, there are a few things you should know. Below is a beginner’s guide to quarter-turn panel studs and how they work.
What Are Quarter-Turn Panel Studs?
Quarter-turn panel studs are stud-based fasteners that require a one-quarter clockwise turn to install. They are known as “panel studs” because they are designed for use with panels. You can fasten panels together using a set of quarter-turn panel studs. When turned one-quarter of the way clockwise, the quarter-turn panel studs will hold the panels together.
How Quarter-Turn Panel Studs Work
While available in different styles, most quarter-turn panel studs work in a similar way. They work in conjunction with a mounting place to hold panels together.
Mounting plates for quarter-turn panel studs typically consist of a diamond- or oval-shaped piece of metal. You can install the mounting plate using a set of rivets. Driving a set of rivets through the sides of the mounting plate and into the panel will secure it in place.
With the mounting plate in place, you can then install the quarter-turn panel. The center of the mounting plate will accommodate the quarter-turn panel. Just place the quarter-turn panel stud in the center of the mounting place and then turn it.
Why Choose Quarter-Turn Panel Studs
You can’t go wrong with quarter-turn panel studs. They offer several advantages over traditional fasteners, one of which is their pop-up design. Quarter-turn panel studs are spring loaded. If a quarter-turn panel stud isn’t properly latched, it will pop up. The spring will essentially push the stud up from its mounting plate, making it easy to spot.
Quarter-turn panel studs are easy to install. Most of them require nothing more than a flat-head screwdriver. Once you’ve riveted the anchor plates onto the appropriate panels, you can then install the quarter-turn panel studs. Place a flathead screwdriver into the recess on top of the quarter-turn panel studs and turn it one-quarter of the way clockwise. As you turn the quarter-turn panel stud, the spring will compress.
Quarter-turn panel studs are durable. Most of them are made of steel with a protective finish, such as zinc. Zinc-plated steel is strong, and it offers a high level of protection against rust and corrosion.
