Screwing into fiberglass

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Jul 14, 2015
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Sorry if this has already been discussed or I am on the wrong page. I am installing new speakers in my boat and the old holes don't line up with the new. Can I screw straight into the boat or do I need to drill holes first?? I imagine you know how small the screws are to install a regular size coaxial. So I didn't know if it mattered
 

GA_Boater

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No quite the right section, but it will do because there is only one answer. Drill pilot holes or you run the chance of making a mess, even with the small screws.
 

sphelps

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Nov 16, 2011
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Yep , pre-drill .. Probably real close to the edge of the hole so it may crack if you dont ...
 

wellcraft-classic210

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You may want to add a countersink at the screw hole entrance will help prevent cracks from propagating in the gel coat.
 

Woodonglass

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Put down some masking tape first. It really helps avoid chip out on the gel coat!!;)
 

tpenfield

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Often new speakers will come with clips that look like these . . .

Clips321.png

Which will allow you to drill a hole the size of the screw. The clip will go along the edge of the opening, over the screw hole so you have something holding the screw other than the bare fiberglass, which will tend to fracture.
 

gm280

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Jun 26, 2011
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Often new speakers will come with clips that look like these . . .



Which will allow you to drill a hole the size of the screw. The clip will go along the edge of the opening, over the screw hole so you have something holding the screw other than the bare fiberglass, which will tend to fracture.

Yea, I was thinking the exact same item that tpenfield listed. He just beat me to it. It also depends on the thickness of the fiberglass you are installing the speaker into. If it is too thin, it will vibrate and not produce the music very well. JMHO!
 
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