Mounting hardware to a cooler (Grizzly 400)

I have a Grizzly 400. Been using ice only so far. But I have just purchased a chiller, filter and pump. I am trying to decide if I mount the filter, pump and surge power strip to the cooler or mount it all inside an outdoor wood crate to protect it all (including the chiller). Can I directly screw into the cooler? Or should I buy some metal insert threads and glue them in?