Screw in fiberglass ?

[Matt Garcia]

Hey guys I was hoping I could get some help. The screw in my one of my shocks has wiggled its way out of the starboard walkway hatch. I can no longer screw the screw back in since the fiberglass is somewhat stripped, making a loose connection between the two. My question is what should I use to screw this back in properly?

I was thinking a bigger screw or maybe some sort of "glue" along with the screw? Any ideas? Thanks guys.

[mcd]

Fill the hole with an epoxy or some other type of filler and drill it out again. Or if you can get to the back side install a "T" nut and through bolt it. Good luck.

[spharis]

Or a bigger screw. Nut and bolt works better long term.

[SHIPYARD]

def. thru bolt it!

[CP3]

JB WELD. mix it up, fill it in and let it set.

[Big Wave]

A little resin with some fierglass cloth cut up and mixed in will work well. let it set up a couple days then re drill the hole. through bolt would be the best if you can do it.

[mtnsmith]

through bolt if possible other wise you could use 3m 5200 or 4200. The 5200 is one of the strongest adhesives for marine use, so if you ever think you might want to take it out use 4200. You could also put a small bead of 5200 on the back side of the bracket and let it help adhere it to the fiberglass.

[kko]

2 part epoxy called marine tex mix it fill the hole. let it dry . drill small pilot hole. reinstall screw.

[mtnsmith]

Oh yeah, forgot about marine tex, you can usually find it in small tubes so you don't have to buy the jars...which make up way more than you would ever need.

[spharis]

I think filling with epoxy is overkill.

Bolt, Nylock and have a beer.

[da.bell]

Or a bigger screw. Nut and bolt works better long term.

I like this one better and will be a lot stronger in the long run.

[xpjim1]

Along a similar question, I had a Bimini screw in my tower strip out. It holds the litle clasp to attach the bimini strap to. What would be best to fill with so I could drill again. Currently using a zip tie around the tower to attach too and looks a little ghetto. Sorry no pictures as the boat is 300 miles away?

[spharis]

As in it goes into the metal with no backing?

If that's the case, get a set of taps and dies and retap the hole to accept a larger tapered bolt or screw, or get a little larger self tapping screw.

[mneal]

Put a thread insert (helicoil) in it. Will require drilling it out and re-tapping hole but better then new when you are done. The installation tools are pricey but if you know anyone with a machine shop you are friendly with they may lend you the installation tool. What size is the screw?

Along a similar question, I had a Bimini screw in my tower strip out. It holds the litle clasp to attach the bimini strap to. What would be best to fill with so I could drill again. Currently using a zip tie around the tower to attach too and looks a little ghetto. Sorry no pictures as the boat is 300 miles away?

[chpthril]

Put a thread insert (helicoil) in it. Will require drilling it out and re-tapping hole but better then new when you are done. The installation tools are pricey but if you know anyone with a machine shop you are friendly with they may lend you the installation tool. What size is the screw?

A #8 sheetmetal screw I think.

Go with a larger (#10) self taping sheetmetal.