Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

[danond]

Any recommendations for fixing stripped screw holes in the hull? My anchor/stern light base got yanked out a few days ago by the post. I thought about filling them with epoxy, but I don't think the epoxy would "give" when turning the screws into it, it'd crack.

Something that dries hard but can crush a little like fiberglass/wood seems like the right stuff.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

This methods works well.

Dirll out the holes to get good clean holes. Fill the holes with marine -Tex. Spray the screws with WD-40 and wipe them off. Then coat them with Marine -Tex and thread them into the hole. Let this dry for 12 hours then back out the screws and sand off the excess material off the surface.

 

[tommays]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

I filled all mine with epxoy and drilled new pilot holes it worked out fine

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

You can drill the hole out to accept a fiberglass dowell coat it with epoxie and pound it in let dry drill and tap. Depending on how good of a fix you want a cheap easy route would be to simply install one of them plastic anchors for hanging pictures like a red or blue one and screw you light base back on.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

I have used the blue plastic anchors and 3M 5200 for things like lights that don't have a lot of stress on it.....works fine and a quick fix.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

THINK PINK!

I use a little bit of home insulation mixed with resin and stuff it into the hole. If the hole is large, a bit of tape on the bottom keeps it from running through. After the resin hardens, it is like a brand new fiberglass part. Sand flat then drill it and screw it just like the stripped hole was never there--just as strong as the original hole, maybe stronger.

You need to spend a little time wetting out the insulation because it does not have any wetting coating like mat, but the random fiber orientation is excellent for plugging holes.---and the price is right!

Maybe it's time to consider through bolting with aluminum backing plates if you can reach it. I would not consider anything that may get stress on it to be properly mounted unless it were through bolted with a backing plate. Cleats, Chocks, Railings, Radio Antennae, etc.

 

[canoeist]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

Is there is not a lot of stress on it, you can squirt some gorilla glue in it and put the screw back in. I use it to replace my snaps for the covers when they work loose. Don't use too much as it will ooze out as it cures.
(got this idea from my dealer)

 

[Nandy]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

Errr, what about a larger screw???

 

[bamadave]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

Nandy, a lot of items on the deck would require drilling out to except a larger screw. Drilling out will damage the plating and cause corrosion, I agree with most post, repair the hole, maybe add blocking behind the hull if possible.

 

[flashback]

Re: Fixing stripped screw holes in fiberglass

if you can get to the back side, why not use a bolt, washer and nut..