Fastener Technique

[Submarine Tom]

I'm lazy and cheap. I just over size the drill hole a little, stuff some epoxy in and when it's firming up, turn the oil smeared screws in. This is only for piano hinge type applications however, the above recommendations work well for bolts and such.

Happy fastening!

-Tom

[We're Here]

Originally Posted by Submarine Tom

I'm lazy and cheap. I just over size the drill hole a little, stuff some epoxy in and when it's firming up, turn the oil smeared screws in. This is only for piano hinge type applications however, the above recommendations work well for bolts and such.

As I think about the image that Tom's painted, the self-taping bayonet fittings for canvas surrounds come to mind. I have heard of many topside core failures blamed on these little guys. Anyone deal with self-taping screws differently?

[Stumble]

My feeling on pretty much all screws is that they have NO business on a fiberglass boat, at least outside the very minimal application of small trim work. Screws can't bite into glass, they fracture it instead. Meaning not only do you have water intrusion at the hole, but a week spot surrounding it