’Repairing’ self-tapper holes

   I had a similar problem a while ago on my Laser, the screws that hold the mainsheet block also secure the toe strap and on a windy day one pulled out! Some slow setting Araldite (stronger than the quick setting stuff) did the job well, couldn't get as much as a creak from it and no movement whatsoever. I didn't drill big pilot holes but the screws were very stiff.

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CurlyBen Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 17 Aug 05 Location: Southampton Online Status: Offline Posts: 539	Post Options Post Reply Quote CurlyBen Report Post Quote Reply Topic: ’Repairing’ self-tapper holes Posted: 19 Feb 06 at 12:36pm
	I had a similar problem a while ago on my Laser, the screws that hold the mainsheet block also secure the toe strap and on a windy day one pulled out! Some slow setting Araldite (stronger than the quick setting stuff) did the job well, couldn't get as much as a creak from it and no movement whatsoever. I didn't drill big pilot holes but the screws were very stiff.
	RS800 GBR848 Weston SC

Garry Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 18 Apr 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 536	Post Options Post Reply Quote Garry Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 19 Feb 06 at 11:39am
	I would suggest drilling/cutting out a larger area and epoxying a hardwood plug in place. This can then either be drilled completely through and bolted or pilot drilled and self tappers used. If the wood you are drilling into is very thin you may want to cut a small rectangle out so you can fit an oversize slab of wood on teh inside then build the level up until flush. Don't know if the attached diagrams are any help.
	Garry Lark 2252, Contender 298 www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk

ColH Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 11 Jan 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 242	Post Options Post Reply Quote ColH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 18 Feb 06 at 12:01pm
	I've got two holes which held a cleat with self-tappers but have lost their 'bite'. So I reckon I can drill the holes out fully and just fit bolts (75mm, if I can find M4's that long) - as long as I can get the angles just right..... Or I could try to re-cut the holes: drill out extra-large and use fibre rawlplugs (with plenty of sealant!), or fill with epoxy and re-drill & tap. Not sure how well a self-tapper will cut into epoxy, though; figure it'll need a fairly wide pilot hole. Anyone got any thoughts or alternative suggestions? Col Edited by ColH