Are there general rules around when to use mechanical fasteners vs. adhesives? And in situations when they both serve my purpose, why would I use one over the other?
Theres a hell of a lot in that question!
Disassembly and re-assembly is the primary reason for choosing fastening over bonding.
Loading type, Part thickness, monolithic/non-monolithic parts, quantities to be made, cost implications, temperature/environmental reasons: the list goes on.
Whats the application?