Brass vs. Bronze screws

Discussion in 'Wooden Boat Building and Restoration' started by crosscut, Feb 9, 2008.

  1. crosscut
    Joined: Feb 2008
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    crosscut Junior Member

    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.
     
  2. Jratte
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    Jratte Junior Member

    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.
     
  3. diagram
    Joined: Jul 2006
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    diagram Junior Member

    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/userportal/main.do;jsessionid=AF53BB32193529844F36BC5172EF57B7

    Good luck!
     
  4. diagram
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    diagram Junior Member

  5. diagram
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    diagram Junior Member

    Don't kow why these links are not working - Google Jamestown Distributors
     
  6. crosscut
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    crosscut Junior Member

    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.
     
  7. Jratte
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    Jratte Junior Member

    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.
     
  8. Lin Olen
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    Lin Olen Junior Member

    Yep, Bromze or Monel. Brass loses its tin component very rapidly in a marine environment. Cheers
     
  9. Lin Olen
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    Lin Olen Junior Member

    I posted Bronze, it came out with an MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. WWWWWhhhhooopppppppppssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!
     
  10. diagram
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    diagram Junior Member

    Jamestown site has details on why Bronze
     
  11. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    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.
     
  12. longliner45
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    longliner45 Senior Member

    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
     
  13. TeddyDiver
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    TeddyDiver Gollywobbler

    Sweetwater

    Brass is ok in sweetwater environment. It widely used in rowboats etc..
     
  14. longliner45
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    longliner45 Senior Member

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

  15. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

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