A joining method is a method of joining a plate set composed by a plurality of stacked plate members including a first plate member and a second plate member by using a tapping screw. When the tapping screw is advanced into the plate set while the tapping screw is rotated in a state of applying a pressure onto the plate set so as to form through-holes in the first plate member and the second plate member, a first pressure applied onto the tapping screw is reduced down to a second pressure at the time when the tapping screw penetrates the first plate member.

A joining method is a method of joining a plate set composed by a plurality of stacked plate members including a first plate member and a second plate member by using a tapping screw. When the tapping screw is advanced into the plate set while the tapping screw is rotated in a state of applying a pressure onto the plate set so as to form through-holes in the first plate member and the second plate member, a first pressure applied onto the tapping screw is reduced down to a second pressure at the time when the tapping screw penetrates the first plate member.

A double ended hand tool created to pick up place and position flatback crystals, gems or other tiny items is disclosed. The tool contains a hollow, conical end which securely encases each crystal allowing the operator to easily position the crystal with no slip. The tool has a first end and a second end coupled by a shaft. The first end has a wax tip which allows the user to pick up crystals or other small items. The second end has a hollow narrow extended portion which allows the users to manipulate the crystal or other small items.

Disclosed is a method for producing a strip for fastening elements, said strip comprising a plurality of interconnected holders, each of which accommodates a shaft of a fastening element. The holders define a fastening direction in which the fastening element can be driven from the holder into a support by a fastening device. The disclosed method comprises the following steps: a) producing a continuous strip defining a longitudinal direction of the strip; b) making the holders from the strip material by means of a deep-drawing process; c) accommodating the fastening elements in the holders.

A double ended hand tool created to pick up place and position flatback crystals, gems or other tiny items is disclosed. The tool contains a hollow, conical end which securely encases each crystal allowing the operator to easily position the crystal with no slip. The tool has a first end and a second end coupled by a shaft. The first end has a wax tip which allows the user to pick up crystals or other small items. The second end has a hollow narrow extended portion which allows the users to manipulate the crystal or other small items.

In a joining method for joining a first plate material and a second plate material by screwing a self-tapping screw from one direction in a state where the first plate material and the second plate material are put on top of each other, a recessed portion is formed in at least one of the first plate material and the second plate material, and in a state where the first plate material and the second plate material are put on top of each other such that the recessed portion is opened in a contacting face between the first plate material and the second plate material, the self-tapping screw is screwed from the one direction. When the self-tapping screw penetrates through the first plate material due to the screwing of the self-tapping screw, an excess part generated from the first plate material flows into the recessed portion.

A method of installing a self-piercing rivet (SPR) is provided that includes providing an SPR installation tool with stack-up parameters prior to, during, and/or after insertion of the SPR into at least two adjacent workpieces, adjusting at least one insertion parameter of the SPR installation tool based on the stack-up parameters, and adaptively installing the SPR into the adjacent workpieces.

A method for producing and installing a fastener, including the steps of forming an engaging portion having a projecting stem which is interiorly hollowed over at least an intermediate extending range, the stem including a solid end most extending portion, and forming a receiving portion having a surface, within which is configured an inner rim defined edge, a diameter of an aperture between said rim edge being less than a diameter of the stem. Additional steps include pressing the solid end most extending portion of the engaging portion through the inner rim edge of the receiving portion and aligning with the inner rim edge a location of the interiorly hollowed portion of the stem, causing inward collapsing of the aligned location by the rim edge to secure the engaging portion to the receiving portion.