[driley]

The van has metric fasteners. I like metric.

Thoughts on using metric 80/20 and plus-nuts for a camper van conversion?

 

[orton]

The van has metric fasteners. I like metric.

Thoughts on using metric 80/20 and plus-nuts for a camper van conversion?

What difference does it make weather 80/20 is metric or not? Less choice for tools and probably more fastener cost from industrial fastener suppliers.

Suspect it is easier to use inch measurements to make any special connectors. I make my own connectors from aluminum flats and angles. What I find is 90% of the connectors are not available from 80/20 (or equal). They do not make what I need. Just use a chop saw to cut connector to length, a drill press to add holes and deburr on a sander. Dimensions are not critical and most connectors will end up being hidden. I use 3/16" thickness since 1/4" is not necessary for conversions. They center the holes which makes it impossible to use carriage bolts in angles because the studs are to close to each other. I use 1 1/2" x 3/16" angles with offset holes. 1/2" from the angle edge. Then you can add the nuts. Only one hole needs to be offset.

Prebulbed inserts work very well with a cheap ($25) installation tool from McMaster-Carr. I tried nutserts and found them more difficult to install and not as robust.

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=215839&postcount=19

 

[jethaden]

The van has metric fasteners. I like metric.

Thoughts on using metric 80/20 and plus-nuts for a camper van conversion?

Metric 80/20 extrusion and 80/20 part cost is the same as fractional. 25 mm = 1 inch, 40mm = 1.5 inch equivalent, that is, they are effectively the same size. Some of the slot sizes on fractional are actually sized to metric (i.e. 6 mm slot capability on 1 inch, 8mm on 1.5 inch). I found SS metric nuts and bolts to be up to twice the price and I am not sure all of the various choices were available. I am not sure about plusnuts in metric. Structure shapes (angles, flats) will be fractional in size (see http://www.onlinemetals.com ).

I did fractional after a bit of a debate. However, if you like metric as a standard, there is no overriding reason not to use metric.