When was the last time you changed your screws?

[Horton]

 

I went to the nut and bolt store today and stocked up. When ever I work on someones skis I always throw away any nasty screws. If you have ever had a bad screw wreck a ski you will never forget it.

[thager]

Yep, You're definately screwed!i

[A_B]

I was burned a few times by old screws or even holes getting stripped, and done for the day, so have been carrying extras in my Rubbermaid tub filled with ski junk for a long time. Have used this many times on my stuff and for others.

 

Not expensive and keeps stuff organized for quick access.

 

 

[ral]

I pulled out the ones in my neck on Tuesday...

[BraceMaker]

@AB -

 

I'll one up that - for common hardware sizes I have a bin for the hardware size, anytime I need hardware I add the extras to the bin. And if I ever buy a Tap or Die for that size, I put it in the bin with the correct size hardware.

 

But for waterskis there is one extra tool - called a bottoming tap.

 

http://www.kanabco.com/vms/Media/cutting_tools_hand_tapping/three_taps.jpg

 

Because it has no taper you can use it to clean up the inserts in the ski, take something like a small nail and check the depth of the insert's hole - then mark your tap with some tape so you don't go too deep.

[Horton]

8/32 for everything but Razor

[OTF]

Switched all of mine to flat head cap screws with an allen drive. I still check before each set but have not found a loose screw since and never have the pesky stripped drive. I also use a Wiha torque driver so I don't accidentally over tighten and strip the inserts.

[A_B]

@bracemaker, I only have one to clean out threads on fin box. See second compartment down from top on left. Not a bad idea to have them ready for every fitting. I have busted off bolts in the fin box before, so lube them up a few times in season and chase the threads to clean up any oxidation.

 

[GaryWilkinson]

@horton. Do you if they are 100 or 82 degree tapered heads?

I used to do a lot of radio-controlled planes and these guys were great at providing fasteners at great prices.

http://www.microfasteners.com/home.php?cat=589

 

Have a look.

Gw.

[Horton]

@OTF I always hand tighten and really more like fingertip tighten. I would rather have a screw a little loose then over tightened.

 

Allen head screws are pain in the ass.

[Horton]

@GaryWilkinson

 

interesting. that is a great site