Brass vs. Bronze screws

[crosscut]

I am a first time poster to this forum. First let me say how impressed I am with the wealth of knowledge shared within the forum. For over thirty years my hobbies have been woodworking and boating, It seem logical to combine the two. I have started my first build, a 13ft. flat bottom power skiff. Most of my questions have been answered by searching of threads. I do have one question at this time. My plans call for bronze screws. I have a local supply for brass screws. Would I have a problem with the brass screws. The boat will be used in salt water, but trailed, not moored.

[Jratte]

Others will chime in for sure but from what I understand, RUN do not walk far away from the brass screws. They will corrode. Go with the bronze.

[diagram]

Cross,

Silicon Bronze is the only way to go. Brass is too soft. I am sure someone here will chime in and give you the specifics. I don't remember the details but Silicon Bronze is a standard. You might also consider stainless steel. Self tapping SS or Bronze wood screws seem to work best for me. Investing in a set of Fuller bits (tapered bit and countersink) make life easier.

Try Jamestown Distributors:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...36BC5172EF57B7

Good luck!

[diagram]

Try this link:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...Id=1&page=GRID

[diagram]

Don't kow why these links are not working - Google Jamestown Distributors

[crosscut]

diagram, your link did come through. It looks like I will be ordering bronze screws. Thanks guys, you saved me from my first blunder, or should I say you postponed my first blunder, I know it is coming.

[Jratte]

Ok, I spent a few minutes and looked up the details of why I knew the brass is bad. Brass is copper and zinc. Zinc is usually used in a sacrificial manner on boats. See where I'm going this? They won't last so long. As diagram said Silicon Bronze would really be the way to go.

[Lin Olen]

Yep, Bromze or Monel. Brass loses its tin component very rapidly in a marine environment. Cheers

[Lin Olen]

I posted Bronze, it came out with an MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. WWWWWhhhhooopppppppppssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!

[diagram]

Jamestown site has details on why Bronze

[PAR]

Dezincification is what happens, the zinc literally is eaten up. Brass is a very weak metal anyway, only suitable for hanging a picture on a bulkhead or as interior trim.

[longliner45]

your best bet is 316 ss us made,,,china makes ss but not as good and also silicone bronze,,,,not as good ,as a matter of fact I know of no us silicone bronze now ,,so your best bet is ss316,,,or monel ,,made in USA,longliner

[TeddyDiver]

Brass is ok in sweetwater environment. It widely used in rowboats etc..

[longliner45]

ok teddy ,,but brass is a very soft metal,why not spring for a few more bucksand get a really good product?,longliner

[PAR]

Stainless in saltwater doesn't last long, especially under the LWL or entombed in wet wood. Rusts about as quickly any hardened steel.

Brass is rarely used, except in very lightly loaded applications and surely not around saltwater.

http://www.mcfeelys.com/find-a-faste...con&recess=Any

Try this link.