Dinghy development: Laser Radial Toestrap Repair

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Laser Radial Toestrap Repair

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12058
Printed Date: 08 Jul 25 at 4:34pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Laser Radial Toestrap Repair

Posted By: Peter.ennis
Subject: Laser Radial Toestrap Repair
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 11:14am

Dear Sailors,
I was Out sailing recently in a force 4, so it involved some serious hiking.
While hiking however, my toe strap snapped.

When I got back to shore, I soon learnt that the screws holding the toe strap down near the main sheet block had rusted away.

If you have experience in repairing such damage, please let md know how best to repair this!
Regards.

Replies:

Posted By: GarethT
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 12:20pm

Sorry Peter, I've never heard of that before on a laser.

Is your question how to get the rusted screws out, or what to put in their place (or something else)?

Posted By: Peter.ennis
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 1:16pm

Hi Gareth
Yes, my question is how to replace the screws, as the original ones have rusted away

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 1:32pm

What to replace them with is easy enough, stainless steel screws of the same size with just a smear of zinc chromate paste to make them last longer.

Presumably though they haven't actually rusted away completely, instead you have 'orrible rusted stumps where they used to be. And that's a nightmare. Its a job that's much easier if you've done it 20 times before. So do you know anyone who restores old motor vehicles or motorcycles or something and has done this job umpteen times before? If so point them at your boat and a generous number of unopened bottles of good beer sitting in the bottom of it...

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 2:08pm

You thinking of something like using a small stud extractor then Jim? If there are stumps you MIGHT be able to get something like mole grips on them and wind them out.

Then when you put them back make sure you use good quality stainless screws. i would suspect that the screws here were either poor quality or not stainless. I have enever had an issue with rusty screws in any of my Lasers (even my late 70's boat).

-------------
Paul
----------------------
D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: sandgrounder
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 2:18pm

The screws required are:- No. 10 X 1 1/4" Countersunk Pozi Self Tap in A4 (marine grade) stainless steel

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 2:42pm

Originally posted by jeffers

You thinking of something like using a small stud extractor then Jim?

Not necessarily. Whatever you are faced with, even if its stumps that might be big enough to get a mole grip on or solid enough to saw a screwdriver head in, its a job that is far far easier if you've got the experience. Its a skill. I freely admit to not being great at it myself. If you haven't got the skill its a job that's very easy to make much much worse.

Posted By: Buzz
Date Posted: 25 Jun 15 at 3:11pm

Either undo them with a mole grip as suggested by Jim C or use a screw/stud extractor. Grind the remains of the screw head flat. Use a center punch in the middle and then pick a drill which goes with the relevant extractor and drill a hole into the old screw. Screw the screw extractor into the hole in the old screw and turn anticlockwise which should (if you are luck) unscrew the old screw. Alternatively grind the old screws flat and cover with epoxy or glass resin to prevent more rust. Alternatively re-attach the toe strap nearby. There are wooden blocks underneath the deck which is what the screws go into. If you drill with a very fine drill into where you want to re-attach them you should see bits of timber on the drill. If you do then you can drill a bit bigger hole for the screws. I use silicon to make sure the seal between the screws and the boat is water tight.