Self-Clinching Thin Sheet Standoffs Technical Datasheet
Product Overview
Self-Clinching Thin Sheet Through Standoffs are permanently installed threaded spacers designed to provide strong, reusable internal threads in thin sheet metal as thin as 0.63 mm (0.025″). They install into a punched or drilled hole using a parallel squeezing force, allowing the surrounding sheet material to cold flow into the clinching groove and permanently lock the fastener in place.
These through standoffs provide precise spacing between assemblies while maintaining a flush installation on the reverse side of the sheet. They are ideal where access is available from one side only and repeated assembly and disassembly is required.
Table of Contents
ITEM CODE: 5018
Standards
Primary Standard: PEM® Type TSO, TSOS, TSO4 equivalent
Installation
- Prepare properly sized mounting hole in sheet.
- Do not perform any secondary operation such as deburring.
- Insert standoff through mounting hole (preferably the punch
side) of sheet and into anvil as shown in drawing. - With installation punch and anvil surfaces parallel, apply only
enough squeezing force to embed the standoff’s head flush in
the sheet.
Dimensions
| Thread Size | Thread Code | Min. Sheet Thickness | Hole Size In Sheet (+0.08) | C (-0.13) | H Nom. | Min. Dist. Hole To Edge | F Min. Thread Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | M25 | 0.63 | 4.22 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 5.2 |
| M2.5 | 6M25 | 0.63 | 5.41 | 5.39 | 6.4 | 7.1 | |
| M3 | M3 | 0.63 | 4.22 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.2 |
| M3 | 6M3 | 0.63 | 5.41 | 5.39 | 6.4 | 7.1 | |
| M3.5 | M35 | 0.63 | 5.41 | 5.39 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7 |
all dimensions in mm
Download Datasheets
Self Clinching Thin Sheet Standoff – TSO – Steel Zn
Self Clinching Thin Sheet Standoff – TSOS – Stainless Steel 300 series
Self Clinching Thin Sheet Standoff – TSO4- Stainless steel 400 series
Material Characteristics and Recommended Applications
| Material | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (Case Hardened, Zinc Plated) | High strength, economical, excellent clinching performance in mild steel sheets | Electrical panels, switchgear, industrial enclosures, machinery |
| Stainless Steel 300 Series | Good corrosion resistance, non-magnetic, suitable for stainless steel and corrosive environments | Telecom cabinets, food processing equipment, medical devices, outdoor enclosures |
| Stainless Steel 400 Series | Heat treatable, high hardness, magnetic, specifically designed for installation in stainless steel sheets | Stainless steel enclosures, data centers, telecom equipment, industrial sheet metal fabrication |
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Self-Clinching Through Standoff |
| Thread Sizes | M2 to M3.5 |
| Material Options | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel |
| Installation Method | Press-in installation |
| Mounting Side | Single-side installation |
| Thread Type | Metric / Unified |
| Sheet Compatibility | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
| Minimum Sheet Thickness | 0.63 |
| Torque Resistance | High |
| Push-Out Resistance | High |
| Reusability | Permanent installation with reusable threads |
| Corrosion Resistance | Depends on material and finish |
Applications
- Electronic enclosures
- Telecom cabinets
- Data centre equipment
- Industrial control panels
- Medical devices
- Aerospace electronic assemblies
- Defence electronics
- Battery packs
- EV charging equipment
- Sheet metal chassis
- Instrumentation panels
- Network racks
- Power supplies
- Server enclosures
- Robotics equipment
Advantages
- Designed specifically for very thin sheet materials
- Permanent installation
- Strong internal thread
- Excellent resistance to torque-out
- High push-out performance
- Flush installation on one side
- Allows repeated assembly and disassembly
- No welding required
- Minimal distortion of sheet metal
- Suitable for automated production
- Excellent vibration resistance
- Ideal replacement for welded spacers
- Available in metric and imperial threads
- Compatible with coated sheet metal
- Cost-effective for high-volume manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a self-clinching through standoff?
A self-clinching through standoff is a press-fit threaded spacer that permanently installs into sheet metal to provide a durable female thread and maintain spacing between assembled components.
What is the difference between TSO, TSOS and TSO4?
The SO is steel with zinc plating. SOS is stainless steel 300 series, and SO4 is stainless steel 400 series.
Can through standoffs be installed in stainless steel sheets?
Yes. Specific stainless steel versions are designed for installation into stainless steel sheets.
What installation equipment is required?
Installation is typically performed using a press capable of applying the recommended installation force uniformly.
Can through standoffs replace welded spacers?
Yes. Self-clinching standoffs eliminate welding operations while providing excellent mechanical performance and assembly efficiency.
Where are self-clinching through standoffs commonly used?
They are widely used in electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, medical equipment, industrial automation, battery enclosures, control panels, and precision sheet metal assemblies.
Need Technical Assistance or a Quote?
Looking for pricing, samples, CAD drawings, or help selecting the right fastener? Our team can help you choose the correct product for your application.
📧 sales@horizonincindia.com | 📞 +91 80 4117 9152 | 💬 +91 99167 77262
Related Products
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- Self Clinching Standoffs
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- Nut Inserts
- Weld Studs
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