The present fixing element serves for detachably connecting sheet metal plates that are arranged in a rectangular manner in relation to each other. The inventive element consists of a receiving component that is provided with a screw thread and, from the side, can be pressed into a rectangular recess underneath the edge of the sheet metal plate and can be clamped by means of spring elements which can be pressed together in an elastic manner. The aim of the invention is to produce the fixing element as cheaply as possible. The receiving component consists of a rectangular threaded plate (1) made of metal sheet and is provided with spring legs (2) on two opposite sides. Said legs match the width of the recess (7) and are joined in a rectangular manner. Each leg (2) is provided with two spring tabs (15) which are diagonally bent outwards, symmetrical in relation to the thread axis. The edges (16) of said tabs are directed towards each other and are separated from each other by a distance (a) that at least corresponds to the width (d) of the sheet metal plates (8).