Filling in holes made from a power pole bracket

[nrensch]

I am removing the bracket to my power pole. I do not need a power pole on my aluminum boat. The top two holes are not a problem. The bottom two holes will be a pain to get a ratchat on the nuts with the gas tank in the way but I plan to try to remove the nuts somehow. If I can remove the bottom two bolts without losing the nuts, how can I close off these holes? After I get the bracket off I know I can't get the bolts and nuts back in again. How can I close these bottom two holes. The holes are above the water line. Any ideas out there?

 

[gm280]

nrensch, I have to admit, I am a total dummy on this one. I have zero ideas what you are asking. So pop up a few pictures and maybe it will help with the answers.

 

[nrensch]

Well, what I mean. If I can't get the bolts and nuts back into the holes once I remove the bracket, how can I close the holes? Don't have pics right now. If I could get the bolts and nuts back into the holes I would seal them with sealant as I tighten the nuts. I just don't think I would be able to get the nut on the bolt using a long handle ratchat for assembling the bolt and nut together again with out the bracket in place. Could I drill holes and tap around the existing hole and then get a aluminum plate with sealant to cover up the holes and screw the small plate in place ? Hope this makes a little more sense.

 

[gm280]

Well, what I mean. If I can't get the bolts and nuts back into the holes once I remove the bracket, how can I close the holes? Don't have pics right now. If I could get the bolts and nuts back into the holes I would seal them with sealant as I tighten the nuts. I just don't think I would be able to get the nut on the bolt using a long handle ratchat for assembling the bolt and nut together again with out the bracket in place. Could I drill holes and tap around the existing hole and then get a aluminum plate with sealant to cover up the holes and screw the small plate in place ? Hope this makes a little more sense.

I think I am understand what you're saying now. Your power pole bracket was used to hold a power pole anchoring device. Is that right? If so and you are removing in now and the bottom mounting bolts are in an area you can't get access to. So what you want to know is how can you remove the lower bracket and then seal the holes, if I understand correctly.

Not seeing the setup, I have to ask, can you actually see the lower nuts that are holding the bracket on? If so, remove the bolts and nuts and then you could temporarily glue a nut onto a long stick and slide it in while running a bolt from the outside. If so, apply some 3M 5200 sealer on the bolt and drive it home. Without seeing what your are dealing with, that is only my idea. :sorry:

 

[Grandad]

OK. I'll say it. What's a power pole? - Grandad

 

[BWR1953]

OK. I'll say it. What's a power pole? - Grandad

 

[Grandad]

Thanks BWR. To this retired electrician, a power pole is what you install from floor to ceiling next to a desk in an open office area. - Grandad

 

[Grandad]

If you strike out, you could use a Wellnut. They are used in hollow spaces for mounting equipment. Neoprene rubber, with a threaded brass insert, they seal well. The picture shows a 1/4" stainless bolt, but a ss washer with sealant could be added. - Grandad

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

What size are the bolt holes? They make blind rivets in 1/4" and larger sizes.

 

[airshot]

Any nut and bolt or a pop rivet as long as it has some good sealer on it should do the trick. Depending on how big the hole is, I have used self tapping screws in SS with a generous dollop of 3m goop on it, after all the screw is no longer holding anything, just plugging a hole so the self tapper should be fine.

 

[nrensch]

Thanks everyone. Good ideas. The bolts are 3/8 inch.

 

[Grub54891]

I would glue the nut to an end wrench, with weather strip adhesive, and hold it in position while tightening the bolt with sealer on it. Been there done that......

 

[Jessi'shusband]

Would you be interested in selling the power pole that you took off?