A method of permanently attaching a fastener to a plastically deformable panel includes placing a fastener shearing edge in contact with a first surface of a panel and a die assembly in contact with an opposite second surface of the panel, and penetrating the fastener shearing edge through the panel to create a hole. The fastener shearing edge is driven into a swage formed as a recess in an end face of the die assembly to deform the fastener shearing edge outwards along the swage and into contact with the second surface of the panel. A bent portion of the panel is trapped between the deformed fastener shearing edge abutting the second surface of the panel and a tapered flange formed on an outer surface of the fastener that abuts the first surface of the panel. A die assembly and driving mechanism for attaching the fastener is also provided.