A fastener assembly (10) which imparts, on a surface (26b) of a first structural element (28) to be joined to a second structural element, joining forces at two or more radially equidistant regions isolated from the edge of an opening (29) extending through the first structural element. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes an apertured face plate (12), an anchoring assembly (16), and a positioner (22, 37) for causing relative axial movement between the face plate and the anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly includes a base portion (18) and a projecting portion (20) that extends in an axial direction away from the base portion. The projecting portion of the anchoring assembly is sufficiently rigid as to restrict further movement of the base portion toward the face plate when the projecting portion initially contacts the first structural element, despite continued actuation of the positioner, and the projecting portion is sufficiently rigid as to prevent displacement of distal regions (33c) of theanchoring assembly from respective initial positions of contact with the radially equidistant regions on the first structural element, despite progressively increased exertion of a pulling force on the anchoring assembly by the positioner.