Nut and bolt or self-tapping bolt?

I need to fixed a 20cm x 9cm steel plate (pre-drilled) onto a piece of medium density board (thin desk surface). The steel plate will form 'wings' on the desk for some tiny speakers, which are around 1KG each.

There'll be four bolts or screws to affix the steel plate to the desk. Would simple self-tapping screws be sufficient in this scenario or should I go for the nut and bolt solution (which would provide a lot more 'hold')?

I have the self-tappers already, but would need to get the nuts and bolts.

Nuts & bolts for MDF, it wont keep a self tapper happy very long ! I have tons in stock, what do you need ?
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Nut and bolt would deffo be the preference over wood screws in to MDF.

Taking a step further, how about using rivet-nuts or tapping holes (if thickness allows) in the steel plates?

Either way, or nut and bolt, I'd also recommend considering flanged bolts or penny washers to get as much head surface area over the MDF.

If you happen to be around the Brighton Gatwick area and you can drop by with the steel plates, I'll be happy to riv-nut or tap holes for you.

Thanks all. I’ll pick up proper nuts and bolts tomorrow. The MDF doesn’t look too solid, thinking about it. It’s 12mm thick so there won’t be much of the self-tapper thread holding the weight

The steel plates are already predrilled but thanks for the kind offer.
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Look for repair washers, they have a wider diameter and will spread the load better.

aka penny washers ...

I found a box of washers in my garage that are quite wide. They are nylon ones, I presume that'll be fine.

I'll post you some repair washers uf you ask nicely :) Just PM me your address for postage, and confirm the thread size you're using - M5, M5, M8 etc.

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Originally Posted by cptwhite_uk

I'll post you some repair washers uf you ask nicely :) Just PM me your address for postage, and confirm the thread size you're using - M5, M5, M8 etc.

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Thanks for offer! I popped into the discount store a few minutes walk away from my home. It's like an Aladdin's cave in there. I think I have everything in place now. I even picked up some matt black vinyl wrap so the steel plates can blend into the desk colour a bit.

I'm going to put everything together later this week. It's a fairly simple task so it should work out well.

The advice above sounds sensible to me re nuts and bolts etc. I would add swap the mdf for a decent bit of wood/ply if you're doing some DIY. It will last you longer and take heavier kit without creeping into the horrible saggy bow that cheapo mdf adopts after a few years. 18mm shelving timber / WBP ply is a good starting point. Ply would tend to take screws with less drama if you were after a one-sided fixing.