How to mount PCBs

[Alecmartiza]

Hey guys,

Long time reader. One thing I never see here and I always have trouble with is how to mount PCBs. What do you guys typically do? I think it would be nice if there were a thread dedicated to pictures of custom pcb mounting or even the work around it. Sorry if this has been discussed before (it probably has).

[Coffeejuice]

when i’m in a rush i’ll just hot glue corners of the pcb down to the inside of the case, but these come loose on occasion. in my cleaner work i use zip tie mounts or PCB feet like the kind found on FA for PS360 type pcbs with mounting holes on the corners.

[poisonmar]

Yeah I end up using hot glue way more than I should for this. I would be cool to see pics of everyone’s work and how they are mounted. It would satisfy the geek in me too hahahaha. How they are glued, zip tied, or if holes were drilled or modified.

[NotANoob81]

I’ve used adhesive backed PCB mounts from RadioShack. Go get some from there if they haven’t closed up yet, due to bankruptcy:/

[gahrling]

Self-adhesive cable tie bases. Then I either use cable ties or screws to secure the pcb in place.

[Darksakul]

NEVER EVER use glue to glue down a board.
NEVER EVER use glue to glue down a board.
NEVER EVER use glue to glue down a board.
NEVER EVER use glue to glue down a board.
NEVER EVER use glue to glue down a board.

I have to work behind other modders who glue PCBs down. After trying to peel off glue so i can solder to a PCB, I wanted to kill the person who done so.
I swear if I find another stick with a PCB hot glued into place, I beating the crap out of the modder who did it and the stick owner for allowing it I charging DOUBLE for the extra time and Labor (and then beat the crap out of who did it).

I already made a guide in the Beginners Guide

The Beginners guide to planning a Mod like a Pro

PCB Mounting

It varies on person to person, case to case basis (pun is intended)

Zip ties and Zip tie anchors

This should be self explanatory, the Anchors are self adhesive and you zip tie wires, cables or PCBs to the anchors.
You can also use zip ties by themselves if you have a area that allows the zip ties to go around .

hook and loop tape (a.k.a. Velcro)
Known by its brand name of Velcro. Use this stuff to strap your PCB down or use sticky back or self adhesive hook and loop strips to hold your PCB in place.
(not recommended unless you get industrial grade)

Dual Lock (Recommended over Hook and Loop)

Similar to Hook and Loop tape, Dual Lock is made more so for hardware and electronics in mind. And Dual-Lock as a stronger hold than Hook and Loop tape.
Another bonus is both sides of Dual Lock tape is identical, it hooks together by having “mushroom” shape hooks caching each other. This stuff is also self adhesive.

Double Sided foam tape

Self explanatory, great in cushioning PCBs and can used in combination with Dual Lock

PCB Feet

You Glue or screw in the feet into your board, then screw the PCB into place.
eTokki also sells PCB feet that clip on the corners of a PCB instead of screwing in place for PCBs that lack screw holes.

PCB stand offs

Similar to PCB feet, you have to glue or screw the stand offs into place, often made from metal, plastic or both.

Project Box

Placing your board in a project box or enclosure, with holes or opening made to allow wiring to poke through the box.
The Box itself is either screwed or glued into place.

Straight up screw your PCB to the case.

Avoid Hot gluing PCBs directly to your stick case as its a pain to undo if you ever need to make changes or repairs.

[poisonmar]

Isopropyl alcohol @Darksakul . Apply around the blob with q-tips and after a little while, the entire piece slides right off. Those are some really good options.

[Darksakul]

Isopropyl alcohol @Darksakul . Apply around the blob with q-tips and after a little while, the entire piece slides right off.

You haven’t seen the sticks I worked on then.

THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE OF THE PCB HOT GLUED WITH HIGH TEMP GLUE DOWN ON MDF

[poisonmar]

Oh then get Ethanol, and if you don’t need it you can at least take a few shots whenever you have to work on some crazy shit like that hahahah.

[FreedomGundam]

Custom mounts.

I cut sheets of 1/16" (1.6mm) plexi in funny shapes, and drill holes in appropriate places to take advantage of existing internal mounting holes inside the casing. Drill additional holes in the proper locations to install brass-standoffs, and screw in your PCBs onto those.

Examples:

[details=Spoiler]
Exar Exaprize:
plexi mount with standoffs, but no PCBs yet:

plexi mount with standoffs and PCBs:

Hori Fighting Stick VX
plexi mount with standoffs and PCBs:

{/spoiler]

[jaytoo]

I hot glue a ziptie to the case, then strap in the pcb with another ziptie once the glue cools.

[poisonmar]

A like those @FreedomGundam. Nice work.