Folding and adding bending tabs is one of the easiest and most economical way of making moderately strong joints in sheet metal parts that will permanently or semi permanently attach to one.
Attaching something to sheet of aluminum.
Wrap a piece of masking tape around the drill bit as a guide.
Lift the sheet to the wall and press it against the drywall aligning at least.
Apply a coat of contact cement to the back of the first aluminum sheet while the adhesive on the wall is still wet.
On its own the hot glue will not provide a very strong hold but used with holes in this manner it creates a mechanical bond strong enough to support the weight of the metal.
They can also be used to efficiently fasten metal to other materials such as wood or plastic by creating a much stronger bond than a regular nail.
Self tapping screws also called sheet metal screws are very versatile.
Regardless of type self clinching fasteners install permanently in thin ductile metal sheets by being pressed into place in a properly sized drilled or punched hole and by applying sufficient squeezing force.
Self clinching hardware typically is made from steel stainless steel or aluminum and many types can install permanently in metal sheets as thin as 0 020 in.
With thin lightweight aluminum you can glue the metal using hot glue provided that the metal has a few holes drilled in it through which the melted glue can flow then harden.
So whether installing screws into solid laminate or through a fiberglass skin into a core plug of cured epoxy use stainless steel sheet metal screws.
Measure and mark the length on the drill bit with masking tape.
All other metals will react with the aluminum causing damage to the siding over time.
Select the proper drill bit.
When attaching a flag bracket to aluminum siding use only aluminum or nylon brackets.