From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?
--
Chris Green
-+
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 6 May 2026 at 21:46:06 BST, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

One of the many types of captive nuts - often used on cars. The issue you'll have is how to secure it on the blind side . . .
--
Cheers, Rob
Sheffield, UK
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 07/05/2026 06:28, RJH wrote:

On 6 May 2026 at 21:46:06 BST, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

One of the many types of captive nuts - often used on cars. The issue you'll have is how to secure it on the blind side . . .

If the screw is long enough you could fit the nut by hand and then grip
the end of the screw with a mole grip while tightening the nut with an open-ended spanner.
John

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Are you intending to tighten it up with the Allen key on the screw side
or a spanner on the nut side?

Depending on whether or not you want to remove the fixing at some time,
you could try a tiny spot of superglue to hold the screw in place if tightening using the nut, or nut in place if tightening with the screw.
In any case, I very much doubt that a spot of superglue would resist
breaking using an Allen key or spanner to turn whatever it was holding.
If you don't intend to remove the fixing you could use epoxy to hold the
screw or nut on.
--
Jeff
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

John R Walliker <jrwalliker@gmail.com> wrote:

On 07/05/2026 06:28, RJH wrote:

On 6 May 2026 at 21:46:06 BST, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

One of the many types of captive nuts - often used on cars. The issue you'll
have is how to secure it on the blind side . . .

If the screw is long enough you could fit the nut by hand and then grip
the end of the screw with a mole grip while tightening the nut with an open-ended spanner.

Yes, I remember doing this before when faced with similar problems,
thanks for reminding me of this. :-)
--
Chris Green
-+
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

Chris Green <cl@isbd.net> wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

If the panels are to be secured permanently then use pop rivets. If the
idea is that the panels are to be removable then use self tapping screws.
Other alternatives are Riv nuts. If the panels do not have the holes
already drilled, use nuts superglued onto the back, drill through the nut
and panel with an appropriate tapping size drill and finishing off the
thread with a tap from the nut side. Any loose nut and bolt solution will
give the same problems undoing as you are having tightening up.

Richard


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

Chris Green <cl@isbd.net> wrote:

John R Walliker <jrwalliker@gmail.com> wrote:

On 07/05/2026 06:28, RJH wrote:

On 6 May 2026 at 21:46:06 BST, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

One of the many types of captive nuts - often used on cars. The issue you'll
have is how to secure it on the blind side . . .

If the screw is long enough you could fit the nut by hand and then grip
the end of the screw with a mole grip while tightening the nut with an
open-ended spanner.

Yes, I remember doing this before when faced with similar problems,
thanks for reminding me of this. :-)

A nicer way of obtaining the same result is to spin the fixing nut on as
far as you can, then at the open end of the thread spin on two more nuts
and tighten them together. You can then hold the screw from turning by
means of a spanner on one of the locked nuts, while tightening the fixing
nut with a second spanner. Use the two spanners to unlock the two nuts, and spin them off the thread. Job done.

I hate mole gripsrCa
--
Spike
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Rather than drill a clearance hole in the panel, why not drill a
slightly smaller hole and tap a thread in it to suit the screw you are
using? You can then screw in the screw from the blind side so that it
says put when fitting the nut. Unlike solutions with superglue, it can
later be dismantled if necessary.
--
Cheers,
Roger
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 07/05/2026 10:31, Spike wrote:

Chris Green <cl@isbd.net> wrote:

John R Walliker <jrwalliker@gmail.com> wrote:

On 07/05/2026 06:28, RJH wrote:

On 6 May 2026 at 21:46:06 BST, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach >>>>> both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads >>>>> will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They >>>>> will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the >>>>> other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this >>>>> might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but >>>>> might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work, >>>>> is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that >>>>> might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

One of the many types of captive nuts - often used on cars. The issue you'll
have is how to secure it on the blind side . . .

If the screw is long enough you could fit the nut by hand and then grip
the end of the screw with a mole grip while tightening the nut with an
open-ended spanner.

Yes, I remember doing this before when faced with similar problems,
thanks for reminding me of this. :-)

A nicer way of obtaining the same result is to spin the fixing nut on as
far as you can, then at the open end of the thread spin on two more nuts
and tighten them together. You can then hold the screw from turning by
means of a spanner on one of the locked nuts, while tightening the fixing
nut with a second spanner. Use the two spanners to unlock the two nuts, and spin them off the thread. Job done.

I hate mole gripsrCa

That would avoid chewing up the threads with the mole grip.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On Wed, 6 May 2026 21:46:06 +0100
Chris Green <cl@isbd.net> wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

At M4, you might be able to saw a slot in the screw end and use a
screwdriver to hold it for the final tightening.
--
Joe

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

Jeff Layman <Jeff@invalid.invalid> wrote:

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Are you intending to tighten it up with the Allen key on the screw side
or a spanner on the nut side?

Depending on whether or not you want to remove the fixing at some time,
you could try a tiny spot of superglue to hold the screw in place if tightening using the nut, or nut in place if tightening with the screw.
In any case, I very much doubt that a spot of superglue would resist breaking using an Allen key or spanner to turn whatever it was holding.
If you don't intend to remove the fixing you could use epoxy to hold the screw or nut on.

Yes, as you say one way would be to fix the head 'permanently'
somehow, it feels as if fixing the head rather than the nut would be
easier. I think this might well be a good way to do this, thank you.
--
Chris Green
-+
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 2026-05-07, John R Walliker wrote:

On 07/05/2026 06:28, RJH wrote:

On 6 May 2026 at 21:46:06 BST, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

One of the many types of captive nuts - often used on cars. The issue you'll >> have is how to secure it on the blind side . . .

If the screw is long enough you could fit the nut by hand and then grip
the end of the screw with a mole grip while tightening the nut with an open-ended spanner.

Clever!
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Lots of ideas suggested but might it not be easier to find a helper for
a few minutes. The helper doesn't have to be a rocket scientist. :)
--
Regards
wasbit
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Clinch nuts or hank bushes?
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

wasbit <wasbit@removehotmail.com> wrote:

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Lots of ideas suggested but might it not be easier to find a helper for
a few minutes. The helper doesn't have to be a rocket scientist. :)

Sometimes, yes, a helper is the obvious approach but I'm sometimes
alone and quite isolated when working on this.
--
Chris Green
-+
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant. Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head. They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Could use a suction cup instead of a magnet, depends what's available.
--
SS

--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 07/05/2026 12:00, Roger Mills wrote:

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant.-a Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head.-a They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Rather than drill a clearance hole in the panel, why not drill a
slightly smaller hole and tap a thread in it to suit the screw you are using? You can then screw in the screw from the blind side so that it
says put when fitting the nut. Unlike solutions with superglue, it can
later be dismantled if necessary.

I was thinking the same. An excuse to purchase a set of taps if you
don't have any.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 08/05/2026 16:55, Fredxx wrote:

On 07/05/2026 12:00, Roger Mills wrote:

On 06/05/2026 21:46, Chris Green wrote:

I need to put some machine screws through panels where I can't reach
both sides at the same time and I'm looking for ways to do this
without an assistant.-a Both sides are easily accessible, screw heads
will probably be roundhead of some sort, probably socket head.-a They
will likely be M4.

So, I will poke the screw through the hole and then walk round to the
other side and put a nut onto it. If everything is perfect then this
might work but I'd like to make it more certain.

One way that might work is simply to put some sticky tape over the
screw head, that should make it easier to get the nut on at least but
might not help when tightening it.

The panel is (partly) steel so something held by a magnet might work,
is there any sort of ready made device for holding an Allen key that
might be stuck onto the metal panel with the key in the screw?

Any other ideas?

Rather than drill a clearance hole in the panel, why not drill a
slightly smaller hole and tap a thread in it to suit the screw you are
using? You can then screw in the screw from the blind side so that it
says put when fitting the nut. Unlike solutions with superglue, it can
later be dismantled if necessary.

I was thinking the same. An excuse to purchase a set of taps if you
don't have any.

I got line from Lidl. They come round occasionally.
--
Cheers,
Roger
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2