Covering protruding screw tips in switch panel

[steve yates]

I don’t like the idea of these screw tips sticking out inside my distribution panel when its all put together and full of cable, especially when the lid on the box is hinged closed. ( like the ones circled in red)
Trying to think of simple ideas to cover them that stil allows for unscrewing them at a later date if required. I’m stuck at plasticine
Any good suggestions? How do others deal with it?

 

[DownWest]

Not quite the same, but some of the screws holding the treads on our gîte stairs poked up enough to cause problems. So just gently used a flap disc on the angle grinder to take off the tips.

 

[Boathook]

Dremel with a grinding or cut off disk.

 

[Bouba]

Plastic screw caps
Amazon.fr : plastic screw caps
Sorry, my bad
You want to cover the points
Grind them off or use shorter screws

 

[stone beach]

Replace them with machine screws, (nuts & washer on the inside)

 

[zoidberg]

When next you're passing an Aldi branch, buy a pack of flavoured water, then save the clear plastic caps as illustrated.
They'll likely be a suitable fit over your screwheads, and a small blob of superglue - easily sheared - will hold 'em in place.

 

[veshengro]

Local Model shop. Piece of Balsa Wood cut into suitable strips with a little dab of glue and pressed into place.

 

[Purple Velvet]

Locally increase the wood thickness.

 

[sigma38dave]

The thread is cut into the timber now, I’d unscrew individually and knock a couple of mm off with a grinder and refit.

 

[greeny]

Hmmmmm! Shorter screws?

 

[boomerangben]

Take them out, cut the protruding tip off, put them back in. Should be able to do it with electricians clippers (can’t remember what the tool is called)

 

[DownWest]

Take them out, cut the protruding tip off, put them back in. Should be able to do it with electricians clippers (can’t remember what the tool is called)

Side cutters?

 

[MontyMariner]

Side cutters might not be up to the job.
Angle grinder or abrasive disk on a drill.
Hold the screws with pliers, fingers aren't up to the job either!

 

[Refueler]

Best is to remove - now that they've made thread into the wood ... hold with good pliers and grind off the tips .. put back.

I would not grind off in place - the metal grindings can stain wood .. get into any electrical you may have next to them etc.

Or if you want a quick cover up ... Hot Glue Gun .... blob of Hot Glue.

 

[Boathook]

What about Phillips Csk Self Tapping Screws with Dog Point (Type F) ISO 7050 (DIN 7982H) in A2 Stainless Steel - Westfield Fasteners Ltd

 

[Malish]

Blob of CT1 or OB1 sealant adhesive gloop and (if you must) a small piece of plastic / rubber on top

 

[penberth3]

Blob of CT1 or OB1 sealant adhesive gloop and (if you must) a small piece of plastic / rubber on top

Oh dear. The answer is to think about material thickness and screw length first.

 

[dunedin]

Oh dear. The answer is to think about material thickness and screw length first.

Especially when reach the stage of attaching the box to the hull

 

[PCUK]

Seriously? As per Greeny, use shorter screws.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Seriously? As per Greeny, use shorter screws.

Best to think of the obvious first