Questions about steel stands

[Ryancw]

anyone with previous experience able to tell me wether or not screwing into a steel stand with a full tank ontop is a good idea or not? i need to teck 6 screws in to hold on shelving brackets so i can finish it.

[WarDog]

Never done it, but I think if you could drill a pilot you will have a much easier time. Can't really think of any negative effects, other than an easier point for corrosion.

[Madreefer]

The steel on my stand was too thick to drill so I got my cabinet maker to do my stand like a wrap. So the wood sides just screw in to each other and there's a molding that goes over the corners. Looks sweet and matches our kitchen cabinets perfectly. Wife is happy so that's all that matters. But to answer your question....the holes won't effect the strength of your stand and like buddy above me said, it'll rust easier.

[reefwars]

i drill them all the time , no worries at all just be careful if your drilling near the glass that the drill doesnt slip:)

[Ryancw]

thanks for the replies guys. tanks been sitting open for a year. Figured its time so i went out and spent a few bucks.

Work will commence tomorrow and ill post a few pics when i'm done.

[Myka]

You're good to go as long as the hole isn't greater than 1/3 of the width of the square steel tubing. I just use self-tapping steel screws. It takes some elbow grease, but it works well.

[gregzz4]

Drilling and tapping maybe safer than trying to use self tapping screws
The thicker the metal the easier it is to break the screws off

[Ryancw]

im going to pre drill just smaller than the self tapper

[Myka]

Drilling and tapping maybe safer than trying to use self tapping screws
The thicker the metal the easier it is to break the screws off
Maybe. I haven't broke any off yet.

[reefwars]

I use self tapping screws as well and I never crack one off lol I also don't pre drill the holes and if your using a self tapping screw then it's not needed anyways :)

[Myka]

^ Me too.

[hillegom]

If the steel is 1/16 thick, no problem.
If the steel is 1/4 inch thick, best to drill and tap