Bedding snap studs in fiberglass

[dhays]

I have 3 snap studs missing on the boat. I need to replace them. What would you use to bed them in the fiberglass? Butyl tape, 4200, something else?

 

[SteveK]

There are ones with a screw attached or pop rivet, Interested in what other ways.
Bedding. sikaflex or butyl

 

[rochepoint]

Butyl tape on base and also wrapped around the screw threads, just cleanup the excess a couple of days later........

 

[HopCar]

I had several pull out stripping the hole too large to use a screw to replace them. I had no access to the back to use a nut and washer.

I ended up using #6 rubber Wellnut and machine screw. They worked great! Never pulled out and the Wellnut being rubber was self bedding.

 

[jleonard]

Small o rings

 

[psneeld]

4200, especially if yours work loose often.

Use soldering gun first to remove when necessary.

 

[Bmarler]

4200, especially if yours work loose often.

Use soldering gun first to remove when necessary.

i like 4200 for this too, or tremco makes a good sealant too. but i have never heard the soldering iron tip before, can you shed some light?

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Agree with above. However, if it is a "new" spot for a snap, make sure you "predrill" the hole to prevent spidering

 

[Blissboat]

I had several pull out stripping the hole too large to use a screw to replace them. I had no access to the back to use a nut and washer.

I ended up using #6 rubber Wellnut and machine screw. They worked great! Never pulled out and the Wellnut being rubber was self bedding.

Did not know about these before - thanks, Parks!

 

[psneeld]

i like 4200 for this too, or tremco makes a good sealant too. but i have never heard the soldering iron tip before, can you shed some light?

Heating many adhesives, even epoxy above 3-400 degrees helps soften and break them down. Otherwise you may pull off a chunk of gel.

 

[Bacchus]

Agree with above. However, if it is a "new" spot for a snap, make sure you "predrill" the hole to prevent spidering

The other tip to reduce spider/chips is to to break the sharp edge of gel coat with a countersink bit. That also provides room for whatever sealant you use to seal well around the shaft and not get squeezed out.

 

[dhays]

Thanks for the ideas. Park, I had not seen those well nuts before either so thanks for that tip.

I may use the butyl tape since I have it. If the screws don’t seem to be as solid as I’d like then I’ll give the 4200 a try. If the holes have been stripped, then a well nut.

 

[dhays]

Update:

I use the butyl tape. I had it on the boat and the screws seem to hold well in the existing holes.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

The other tip to reduce spider/chips is to to break the sharp edge of gel coat with a countersink bit. That also provides room for whatever sealant you use to seal well around the shaft and not get squeezed out.

GREAT Idea!

 

[dhays]

GREAT Idea!

It is. I keep two counter sink bits on the boat just for this purpose. I think is was another idea I picked up from CMS

 

[Comodave]

Anytime I will be using a self tapping screw into fiberglass I use a countersink. It almost removes the possibility of gel coat chipping. And then there is the benefit of making an O ring with the caulking. I normally have 2 drills and a driver out when screwing into fiberglass. One drill with a bit, one with the countersink and then the driver to put the screw in. Saves a lot of time changing bits. And it is a reason to tell my wife why I need multiple drills and drivers. She says I have never met a tool that I didn’t need…

 

[DennisB1]

In blind holes with no access to the back. I have repaired several where the treaded screw was loose and the hole required addition of material. I have drilled the hole slightly larger. washed the hole with acetone then used West G-flex with filler to coat the interior of the hole. After curing, I run a .125 drill to clean up the hole then install a new screw with sealant to retain the button. have done a number and after 5 years they are still tight. The G-flex is a little softer than the normal resin and works nicely with the threaded retaining screws.

 

[SteveK]

Anytime I will be using a self tapping screw into fiberglass I use a countersink. It almost removes the possibility of gel coat chipping. And then there is the benefit of making an O ring with the caulking. I normally have 2 drills and a driver out when screwing into fiberglass. One drill with a bit, one with the countersink and then the driver to put the screw in. Saves a lot of time changing bits. And it is a reason to tell my wife why I need multiple drills and drivers. She says I have never met a tool that I didn’t need…

I have and use often a drill with a countersink, a one piece bit

 

[arthurn]

I have frequently used marine tex to fill a screw hole that got too bed. As above, I drill it a little bigger. Clean out with acetone. Fill with marine tex and re-drill the hole for the screw.

 

[Bustlebomb]

I have frequently used marine tex to fill a screw hole that got too bed. As above, I drill it a little bigger. Clean out with acetone. Fill with marine tex and re-drill the hole for the screw.

I do the same.