Alum and Stainless Steel

[clif]

Getting ready to put a cam cleat and boom vang on the boat this weekend.Can you use stainless steel screws in an Alum mast and boom?If not what to use??Thanks Clif

 

[Clark]

In a word; Yes. Your options are:

Stainless machine screws, stainless rivets and aluminum rivets. With the hardware you described, I doubt you would want to work with rivets so use stainless macine screws of the recommended size. Get a tap (say for 10-24 screw) and the proper sized drill bit. When you mark for your drill holes, use a small punch to keep the drill bit from wandering and drill away. "Measure twice, cut (drill) once" is the word of wisdom here. Another tip is to get the tap started good but don't go all the way in. This will make the screw cut the last thousandths of thread and be firm. If your not comfotable trying that, just go ahead and run the tap in until the threads are complete. When you install the screws to attach the hardware, make sure you use a thread sealer. I used Threadlock but there is probably other sealers that are better.Good Luck!Clark

 

[Clark]

Had some additional thoughts . . .

If the cam cleats and vang are attached with straps (vang) or a plate (cam cleat) you might could use rivets if you prefer.

 

[Clark]

BTW, the rivets probably need to be stainless

for strength but make sure you get a heavy duty rivet gun. Those stainless rivets are *TOUGH*.

 

[Benny]

Yes, use stainless steel hardware but

isolate the bolts and the bail with rubber tubing and nylon washers. Any self tapping screws should be dipped in a sealer. The object is to isolate dissimilar metals as much as possible. Be careful not to interfere with any lines or hardware running inside the boom.

 

[Steve Dion]

Tef-gel on threads

Clif:If you decide to use s.s. metal screws or machine screws (prefered) be sure to use some tef-gel on the threads to prevent gaulling.