Bring the flange together evenly: leaving bolt heads/screws interfering with insulation. Start hardware in a balanced way and do not twist the flange or crush the gasket.
In Rectangular Duct Assembly: TDC / Ductmate / Flanges, I’m looking at: What do I do when leaving bolt heads/screws interfering with insulation? What should I verify before I cut, drill, seal, cover, move, or install?
Do not
Do not leave hardware sticking into the insulation path if it can be corrected now.