Cover Snaps

[comsnark]

OK. . .I have a 1997 boat.

I have a cover, with the dreaded snaps.

Last year, I had one snap that pulled out (ie, stripped screw). Now, the snap next to it has pulled out of the fiberglass.

Crud. :smt021

What is the best way to resecure the snaps? I am thinking to put in a wad of good old 3M 4200 (I have that on hand. . maybe use 5200?) and let the screws set for a few days. . .

Thoughts? :smt100

 

[Sorrento 25]

I bought a box of 100 and am going to replace them all using 5200.

 

[Morpheus]

Couldn't you fill the screw wholes with a fiberglass patch kit and then re-screw the snaps back on?

 

[waterlogged]

Marine-Tex epoxy putty is great stuff for re-bedding.

http://www.marinetex.com/PRODUCT PAGE_files/All MarineTex Putty/marinetex prod info.htm

 

[Asureyez]

Put away that 5200 !

I've been beset with canvas snap screws stripping. When they go they blow out the whole hole and a new screw won't grab.

After messing with the first few holes trying to add bite in the hole with wood, and stuff, I took a landlubber approach and tried the plastic shields used for running screws in to wallboard, you know those little colored plastic torpedo shaped gismos that you get in the little packs with everything you buy that needs screws.

I tried one that fit the screw used in the snap, drilled out the stripped hole a little to get an even insertion pressed in the shield and drove in the screw. Shazaam!

Man they worked great! The screws grab, hold as good or better that in just the glass and I've not have on failure in a year and half.

I put a puddle of GE Silicone on the screw and the shield as I drive the screw home and thats it.

I keep several sizes of these things on board now that I buy at a local hardware store in 100 ct. boxes.

A cheap, quick and low labor solution to a pesky problem.

 

[boatrboy]

Marine-Tex epoxy putty is great stuff for re-bedding.

I second this.

 

[Asureyez]

Not always effective

I also tried the marine tex epoxy with poor results unless I could gert a wad behind the hole ffrpm the back side. The plug applied from the front on hollow panels just came lose on the next time the snap was removed.

YMMV

 

[Dave S]

A couple of other alternatives are to use a Stainless Machine Screw, washer, and nut if you can get behind the area where the snap is located. If you can't get to the backing, then you could pop rivet the snap in place.

 

[tphinney]

my vote go's for 5200. I've got a couple of carpet snap screw that are loose and plan to re bed them with 5200.