When self-tuning of the car, installation of body kits or fixing splashers before the owner stands the choice of fasteners. Conventional screws with protruding hats not only spoil the appearance, but also create zones of moisture accumulation. This is where the help comes in. screw-upThey turn a technical unit into an aesthetic design element.
The use of such fasteners is important for plastic linings on the thresholds, moldings, arch expanders and even interior elements. Decorative hat It hides the metal base, protecting it from direct contact with reagents and water. This significantly prolongs the service life of the connection and prevents the appearance of rust foci around the hole.
You don’t need to be a professional bodybuilder to use this type of fastener competently. It is enough to understand the difference between the materials of hats, know the correct installation algorithm and be able to choose the color to the color of your car. Competent approach to the details always distinguishes high-quality work among amateurs.
Design features and materials of hats
The main difference of this fastener is the two-component structure. The self-tapping screw performs a load-bearing function, crashing into metal or plastic, and the upper part serves as a protective and decorative screen. There are several materials used for the production of stubs, and each has its own advantages.
The most common hats from ABS plastic. They are light, not susceptible to corrosion and easily dyed in any color. Such elements are often found in stock car configurations. A more expensive option. aluminum caps with a galvanic coating under chromium, gold or carbon. They are stronger, but when hit hard can be deformed, unlike elastic plastic.
⚠️ WARNING: When choosing cheap plastic stubs, make sure the material is ultraviolet resistant. Cheap plastics can burn out or become brittle in the cold.
The attachment of the plug to the screw can also vary. In simple models, a threaded connection is used, in more advanced ones - fixation on a sealant or mechanical stress. Understanding the design will help you not to break the thread during installation.
Why do hats fall off?
A common reason for the break-off of the decorative part is the use of aggressive solvents during degreasing or too strong tightening of the screw, which leads to a rupture of the fixing jumper inside the cap.
Where hidden fasteners are used in the car
The scope of application of such screws is extensive and goes far beyond the simple fastening of splashers. Owners often use them for installation. plastic-plate arches that take on the blows of gravel. Aesthetics are combined with functionality: the hat does not allow water to flow under the screw head.
Popular installation of moldings on the door and roof. If you use conventional bolts, after a year around them will appear red streams. The stub completely blocks the access of moisture to the metal of the body. This type of stain is also indispensable when installed. supplementaryRear view cameras or parktronics, where it is important to hide the mounting locations.
In the car, such screws are used to fasten decorative panels, catwalks for acoustics or organizers in the trunk. It is especially important that the hat is made of high-quality material that will not shine in the sun and distract the driver.
Compatibility and size table
When choosing fasteners, it is important to take into account not only the diameter of the thread, but also the size of the decorative part itself. Incorrectly selected diameter of the hat can leave a gap or, conversely, not fit into the seat.
| Typical size | Diameter of thread | Hat diameter | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small. | 3.5. - 4.0 mm | 8 - 10 mm | Salon, thin plastic |
| Medium. | 4.2. to 4.8 mm | 12 - 14 mm | Sprays, moldings |
| Big one. | 5.0 - 6.0 mm | 16 - 20 mm | Arch protection, power kit |
| Specialist | 4.0 mm | 10mm (sweat) | Hidden montage level |
Pay attention to the length of the screw. For fastening thick linings on arches, products from 25 mm in length are often required. If the screw is too short, it will not provide a reliable hook, and if too long - can damage the internal elements of the body.
Buy some stock fasteners. When installing plastic stubs, the percentage of defect or accidental breakage of the “ears” of fixation is about 10%.
Instructions for installation with your own hands
Installation of screws with plugs requires accuracy. The main mistake of beginners is an attempt to twist an already assembled knot. This should be done in a certain sequence, so as not to damage the decorative element.
First, you need to mark the mounting points. Use it. kernel Or a thin drill to create the initial hole. This will prevent the main drill from slipping and ensure the entry is perpendicular. For plastic, a hole of smaller diameter is often enough than for metal.
☑️ Checklist before editing
When the main screw is securely fixed, the turn of the decorative part comes. If it is a threaded cap, it is carefully twisted from above, trying not to pull. If the pressing method is used, make sure the surface is dry and fat-free. Isopropyl alcohol It is better for degreasing than aggressive solvents.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a screwdriver for the final puff. High torque can crack a plastic cap or rip off a soft metal thread.
Corrosion protection and maintenance
Even with a decorative stub, the risk of corrosion persists if the installation was done carelessly. Water can get under the hat through microscopic gaps. Therefore, the opening preparation stage is critical for durability.
After drilling the hole in the metal of the body, be sure to treat the edge corrosion-proof. You can use a conventional movil or zinc-containing soil in an aerosol. This will create a barrier between steel and the atmosphere.
Regular maintenance of such sites is reduced to visual control. Every six months, for example, when washing the engine or body, check the condition of the plugs. If you notice that one of them began to luft or changed color, it is better to replace it without waiting for the body to rust under it.
The main enemy of the hidden fastener is moisture that got between the hat and the body due to the absence of a sealant or anticory on the edge of the hole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can plastic stubs be painted in body color?
Yes, most ABS plastic stubs are perfectly colorable. To do this, they need to be removed, hide with fine sandpaper (P800-P1000), primed with a plastic primer and applied with a base enamel with varnish. Aluminum hats are more difficult to paint, special adhesion is required.
Will these self-tapping screws withstand vibration on an SUV?
By itself, the screw can withstand high loads. However, a decorative hat can fly off from constant vibration if it is held only on the friction. For SUVs, it is recommended to use models with threaded cap fixation or additionally glue them with heat-resistant sealant.
Where can I find the stubs if they are lost in the washing?
Most often they are sold in sets along with screws in auto stores or on marketplaces on request "decorative caps for screws." Universal dimensions (12-14 mm) are the easiest to find. It is important to measure the diameter of your fastener before buying.
How to remove the plug without damaging it?
If the plug is threaded, it must be twisted counterclockwise, holding the screw. If it is pressed, try to gently tamper with a thin flat tool, preheating with a hair dryer (if the material allows) to make the plastic more elastic.