Quick release binder bolt

I bought a quick release binder bolt for the gooseneck from Intensity Sails. The item works well but there is a prbolem. The threaded bolt on mine is made of something less than stainless steel and has shown some corrosion. I am now removing it after every sail and spraying it with WD-40.

Pete Z said:

I am now removing it after every sail and spraying it with WD-40.

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WD-40 is a good start, but keeping oxygen from the surface of the threads would reduce that maintenance.

Although there are specialized aluminum and copper anti-seize greases available at hardware stores, they are costly, stubbornly clingy and messy. I'd prefer to use any kind of water-resistant grease (white lithium grease, Vaseline, wheel bearing grease—and even Unguentine—or a burn ointment).

I'd call Intensity and ask for a replacement.

These are simply bicycle quick release levers. The bolt most likely is not stainless. Some would argue that aluminum and stainless steel would not be good together in a salt water environment (hence the non stainless steel bolts used in a Trailex trailer). You can find stainlesss steel bolt type just Google them and there are 100's of sources.

Shortly after making this post I ordered some items from Intensity Sails. The order arrived promptly and included, much to my surprise, a replacement quick release binder bolt with what appears to be a corrosion resistant bolt. Kudos to Intensity.

Pete Z said:

Shortly after making this post I ordered some items from Intensity Sails. The order arrived promptly and included, much to my surprise, a replacement quick release binder bolt with what appears to be a corrosion resistant bolt. Kudos to Intensity.

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A "corrosion-resistant bolt" could include a bright zinc coating—which won't last. Most stainless steel nuts and bolt heads are highly polished and smooth—somewhat grayer in color—and non- or slightly-magnetic. Many are marked with THF, TF, or some other combination of letters. Since I haven't looked closely at a binder bolt, is the bolt part shaped like a "regular" hex-head bolt, or is it of a proprietary design?

Light and Variable Winds said:

Since I haven't looked closely at a binder bolt, is the bolt part shaped like a "regular" hex-head bolt, or is it of a proprietary design?

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It is threaded rod only, there is no bolt "part", which is often called the head of the bolt. So I don't think there will be a code on the threaded rod.

Pete Z said:

Shortly after making this post I ordered some items from Intensity Sails. The order arrived promptly and included, much to my surprise, a replacement quick release binder bolt with what appears to be a corrosion resistant bolt. Kudos to Intensity.

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I'm curious: how does the threaded part respond to a magnet?

I just got one of these from Intensity. Looks like zinc and also the threads are about a half inch too long so I cut them off flush. Planning to spray some galvanizing on it when I have a minute.

While looking for something else on eBay, stumbled on this—a set of two...

Those seem to be VERY long. Is there a dimension shown for the length of them?

Those are Wheel quick release skewers, you would want to use a Seat post binder quick release. They are much shorter.

Important part is that lever which will go onto an appropriate length bolt of the correct thread.

The seat post binder quick release appears to be the same alloy lever; however the shaft diameter, at ¼", is more robust.

tag said:

Those seem to be VERY long. Is there a dimension shown for the length of them?

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'Just received the two of 'em. (Two, because I have two active Sunfish).

The ~3/32" steel shaft is 7" long, but I was mostly interested in the lever part. (Which, at 2¾", seems too short--and weak).

As fhhuber writes, a threaded bolt could replace the shaft, but the lever is made of an alloy material—which may not be strong enough for the Sunfish gooseneck application. What to do?

Old-style seatpost binder (Sunlite) in cro-mo steel (not SS) and assorted bolt dia/lengths: http://tinyurl.com/hxc45hg


Similar Kalloy binder (cro-mo, not SS): http://tinyurl.com/hwd2xsb
"This is an inexpensive, steel, quick release seat binder bolt. It uses a traditional rotating inner steel cam to draw up and close the lever. The cast steel lever passes through the cast steel cam housing and is fastened with a nut on the lower side. The nut is made of cast steel with a knurled outer surface for easy grip. The nut also has a saw cut on the top and bottom leaving flat parallel surfaces for grip by a box or adjustable wrench. The interior of the nut is plastic lined to provide a tight locking surface so the bolt won't vibrate loose, separate and become lost. The bolt uses two spacers to close off the cam housing and the inner side of the nut, to smooth the force applied to the seat lug as the lever is closed. The steel parts are finished with a bright nickel plating."