Screw size bow handle
- Thread starter yogitony
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- bow handle screws
You need to find out if the backing block is still there.
sailcraftri
Well-Known Member
I've been using #10 1 inch long. You could go longer. Be sure to silicone or 3M-4200 as well.
Thanks. Yes, the backing block is sound. Looks like #10 1" or a bit longer works; and, i am assuming, a course thread pattern?
L&VW
Well-Known Member
Check the fit of that #10. The head should "nestle"—or be a matching "fit"—in the bow handle's countersunk holes. "Coarse" thread is the most common, and works OK. I'll bet even a 2" screw will still have nearly all of its threads "purchased" in wood backing blocks. Use stainless—not brass—as stainless resists breakage especially well.
I haven't removed any screws other than sheet metal screws from my older (70s) Sunfish hardware. (But, for all I know, wood screws may have come as standard).
"wood" screws, not machine thread.
"Sheet metal" screws could also be OK.
wood screws the thread tapers the full length of threaded area. They also usually have an unthreaded portion near the head if they are more than 5X dia in length.
Sheet metal screws the thread tapers near the tip to a point but the main threaded length is constant diameter.
"Sheet metal" screws could also be OK.
wood screws the thread tapers the full length of threaded area. They also usually have an unthreaded portion near the head if they are more than 5X dia in length.
Sheet metal screws the thread tapers near the tip to a point but the main threaded length is constant diameter.
L&VW
Well-Known Member
Just curious, can you touch the backing block through an existing port?
What year is your boat? Early boats used wood screws into a backer block, the 1988ish boats with rolled edge and later used machine screws into a metal plate.
#10 1 1/2 stainless sheet metal screws worked perfectly. Will need new backer block and will use boat life caulk. Silicon will make any future painting more difficult and 4200 is imho way overkill especially for a part that needs periodic repair. Will also chamfer edges for better seal of caulk.
danpal
Well-Known Member
My '85 also has metal plates. I was able to remove 3 out of 4 SS screws when I painted the boat over the summer but the last one sheared off. I tried everything to extract it but I wasn't successful at all.
L&VW
Well-Known Member
True, we only "rent" bow handles. 
"Extract" suggests backing-out the old sheared screw.
Upon the next "bow handle event", try using a 1/8" drill bit, to drive the sheared screw tip forward.
"Extract" suggests backing-out the old sheared screw.
Upon the next "bow handle event", try using a 1/8" drill bit, to drive the sheared screw tip forward.
danpal
Well-Known Member
I did. The drill bit sheared off as well.