Cheapest fastest method of mounting PCBs, low volume production ???

[SL4P]

Zero assembly effort, unless you choose one of the threaded variants...

EDIT: Corrected links
http://www.hardware-andfasteners.com/sale-8550936-pa66-spp-pcb-standoff-hardware-4mm-16-mm-white-nylon-pcb-spacers.html

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Nylon-Spacer-Support-Fastening-Solutiongs-M3_1901810458.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100x-Nylon-Plastic-4mm-PCB-Boards-Locking-Snap-In-Posts-Spacer-Standoff-3-5-22mm-/221870699492

http://www.keystone-europe.com/products/spacers-standoffs-3/nylon-pcb-supports-spacers/

[David Chamberlain]

[dazz1]

Hi
Brass stand-offs will work but the main time consumer is getting the nut started on the thread.  Components around the holes make access difficult.

As has been mentioned by several now, you can either orient the standoff to have the nut on the facing with better clearance or you can just get a spacer that is just threaded through, requiring just a machine screw on each side.

I forgot to mention one of the easiest options I have tried so far is using a threaded stand-off as a nut on top of the PCB.     The extra length makes access much easier for tightening.

Like these used for PC Mobo mounting ?
https://www.banggood.com/Suleve-M3BH4-100Pcs-M3-Male-Female-Brass-Hex-Standoffs-Support-Spacer-Pillar-Screw-for-PCB-Board-p-1284142.html?gmcCountry=NZ&currency=NZD&createTmp=1&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_elc&utm_content=frank&utm_campaign=pla-brand-elc2-nz-pc-0517&gclid=CjwKCAjwi6TYBRAYEiwAOeH7GbaUnftkvFQbnt_eDp8viRUR0S36iAYK-FyxcZUYbOYge0fAE_q9tBoC6hYQAvD_BwE&cur_warehouse=CN

Yes.  They work quite well as nuts, especially the fully threaded  type. You can apply a nut driver socket without risk of damaging nearby surface mounted devices.   Cheaper than clinch nuts and they don't need a press.

[dazz1]

Let me think about using a glue gun for a femto second.
No.
I am certain there is no danger of breaking out the glue gun.

[SL4P]

Oops - in post #25 (top of this page)...
I meant to link to the nylon press-through standoffs.
Drill a hole, bolt or push it in, then snap your boards on top as needed.
No tools needed to assemble or release for repair

http://www.hardware-andfasteners.com/sale-8550936-pa66-spp-pcb-standoff-hardware-4mm-16-mm-white-nylon-pcb-spacers.html

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Nylon-Spacer-Support-Fastening-Solutiongs-M3_1901810458.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100x-Nylon-Plastic-4mm-PCB-Boards-Locking-Snap-In-Posts-Spacer-Standoff-3-5-22mm-/221870699492

http://www.keystone-europe.com/products/spacers-standoffs-3/nylon-pcb-supports-spacers/

[tautech]

Hi
Brass stand-offs will work but the main time consumer is getting the nut started on the thread.  Components around the holes make access difficult.

As has been mentioned by several now, you can either orient the standoff to have the nut on the facing with better clearance or you can just get a spacer that is just threaded through, requiring just a machine screw on each side.

I forgot to mention one of the easiest options I have tried so far is using a threaded stand-off as a nut on top of the PCB.     The extra length makes access much easier for tightening.

Like these used for PC Mobo mounting ?
https://www.banggood.com/Suleve-M3BH4-100Pcs-M3-Male-Female-Brass-Hex-Standoffs-Support-Spacer-Pillar-Screw-for-PCB-Board-p-1284142.html?gmcCountry=NZ&currency=NZD&createTmp=1&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_elc&utm_content=frank&utm_campaign=pla-brand-elc2-nz-pc-0517&gclid=CjwKCAjwi6TYBRAYEiwAOeH7GbaUnftkvFQbnt_eDp8viRUR0S36iAYK-FyxcZUYbOYge0fAE_q9tBoC6hYQAvD_BwE&cur_warehouse=CN

Yes.  They work quite well as nuts, especially the fully threaded  type. You can apply a nut driver socket without risk of damaging nearby surface mounted devices.   Cheaper than clinch nuts and they don't need a press.

Ok. So a screw through the PCB mounting plate into a F-F threaded brass standoff with a M-F standoff as the nut could look and be the best solution.
http://nz.element14.com/c/fasteners-mechanical/fasteners-fixings/spacers-feet/standoffs?standoff-material=brass

Now just to find some that are affordable.

[dazz1]

Oops - in post #25 (top of this page)...
I meant to link to the nylon press-through standoffs.
Drill a hole, bolt or push it in, then snap your boards on top as needed.
No tools needed to assemble or release for repair

http://www.hardware-andfasteners.com/sale-8550936-pa66-spp-pcb-standoff-hardware-4mm-16-mm-white-nylon-pcb-spacers.html

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Nylon-Spacer-Support-Fastening-Solutiongs-M3_1901810458.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100x-Nylon-Plastic-4mm-PCB-Boards-Locking-Snap-In-Posts-Spacer-Standoff-3-5-22mm-/221870699492

http://www.keystone-europe.com/products/spacers-standoffs-3/nylon-pcb-supports-spacers/

Hi
Unfortunately nylon standoffs are good insulators and not good for EMC.  Everything needs to be well bonded to the chassis.

Dazz

[dazz1]

Hi
Brass stand-offs will work but the main time consumer is getting the nut started on the thread.  Components around the holes make access difficult.

As has been mentioned by several now, you can either orient the standoff to have the nut on the facing with better clearance or you can just get a spacer that is just threaded through, requiring just a machine screw on each side.

I forgot to mention one of the easiest options I have tried so far is using a threaded stand-off as a nut on top of the PCB.     The extra length makes access much easier for tightening.

Like these used for PC Mobo mounting ?
https://www.banggood.com/Suleve-M3BH4-100Pcs-M3-Male-Female-Brass-Hex-Standoffs-Support-Spacer-Pillar-Screw-for-PCB-Board-p-1284142.html?gmcCountry=NZ&currency=NZD&createTmp=1&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_elc&utm_content=frank&utm_campaign=pla-brand-elc2-nz-pc-0517&gclid=CjwKCAjwi6TYBRAYEiwAOeH7GbaUnftkvFQbnt_eDp8viRUR0S36iAYK-FyxcZUYbOYge0fAE_q9tBoC6hYQAvD_BwE&cur_warehouse=CN

Yes, I think so.  I can use those on the top and bottom of the PCB.  In the long term I will aim to build a press (which I will need for other purposes) to use for clinched threaded standoffs, then use these brass threaded spacers from the top.

Dazz

[Lee Leduc]

Keystone makes PCB standoffs you may find useful.

http://www.keyelco.com/category.cfm/Spacers-Standoffs/Supports-Spacers-Nylon-PCB/p/495/id/507

I've used these with good results.

[dazz1]

Hi
The problem with plastic standoffs is that they won't electrically connect the PCBs to the aluminium chassis.  Making a good electrical connection through metal standoffs will help reduce EMC emissions.

Dazz

[kony]

I suggest shopping around for sheet metal manufacturing companies. If you can handle the design yourself and make their life sensibly easy to work from your data, there won't be problem to get economical offers even for singles qty. If lead times in 3-6 weeks range are an issue, you might consider investing into simple sheet metal bender and handpress, laser cutouts are usually doable in one week turnaround with no price extra.

Clinched fasteners win almost every time - just for the love of god please never use loose nuts anywhere - if totally desperate to have it removeable, use caged nut insert instead. For rework there is option of rivet nut.