Whenever I slide it back, the companionway hatch squeels like there's no tomorrow! I have tried SuperLube, parafin from a candle, and WD-40 to no avail. How do I stop the squeek? Phil Decker S/V Catmandu 1982 Catalina 27, A-4, TR, Traditional http://home.comcast.net/~pdecker05/catmandu.html
Companionway hatch squeeks
- Thread starter Phil Decker
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Bathtub Caulk Repair Tape
You might try looking in the plumbing section of your local hardware store for some bathtub repair tape. It is a smooth, silppery, white plastic tape, about 1 inch wide, with adhesive on one side, and is made to repair, or at least cover up, the caulk joint between the bathtub and the wall. Just slide your hatch completely open, peel the paper backing from the adhesive, and lay the tape in the groove where the hatch slides. The adhesive keeps it in place just fine. In my case, it made the hatch slide much more easily, and may eliminate your squeek.
You might try looking in the plumbing section of your local hardware store for some bathtub repair tape. It is a smooth, silppery, white plastic tape, about 1 inch wide, with adhesive on one side, and is made to repair, or at least cover up, the caulk joint between the bathtub and the wall. Just slide your hatch completely open, peel the paper backing from the adhesive, and lay the tape in the groove where the hatch slides. The adhesive keeps it in place just fine. In my case, it made the hatch slide much more easily, and may eliminate your squeek.
slide rails
I had this problem as well, the fix, remove the hatch slide rails and replace cork under them, (don't get the cork from the home centers no rubber) Go to your local Auto Zone or auto store you use and get a roll of 1/16" - 1/8" thick cork, it has rubber blended in it. Cut the pieces you need and replace the rails. First tip, spray the cork with glue to hold it to the bottom of the rails while your attaching. Second tip, push a nail through the first hole and into the hole on the rail then the last hole, this will hold the rail in place while you replace the other screws. Hatch will slide smooth and no more screeching. good luck.
I had this problem as well, the fix, remove the hatch slide rails and replace cork under them, (don't get the cork from the home centers no rubber) Go to your local Auto Zone or auto store you use and get a roll of 1/16" - 1/8" thick cork, it has rubber blended in it. Cut the pieces you need and replace the rails. First tip, spray the cork with glue to hold it to the bottom of the rails while your attaching. Second tip, push a nail through the first hole and into the hole on the rail then the last hole, this will hold the rail in place while you replace the other screws. Hatch will slide smooth and no more screeching. good luck.
Dry Lube
Don't recall the exact name, but my hatch made squeaky noise and is old enough that the fiberglass flange the hatch slides on is wearing through. I found some powdered graphite that worked, but it was black (doesn't look good on white fiberglass), then I found some thing similar, but white. Works great. Dry white powder, comes in a small squeeze tube. Found it with the pine wood derby supplies at a hobby store. I'm sure they used it to make them go faster as well. Good luck!
Don't recall the exact name, but my hatch made squeaky noise and is old enough that the fiberglass flange the hatch slides on is wearing through. I found some powdered graphite that worked, but it was black (doesn't look good on white fiberglass), then I found some thing similar, but white. Works great. Dry white powder, comes in a small squeeze tube. Found it with the pine wood derby supplies at a hobby store. I'm sure they used it to make them go faster as well. Good luck!
Glide tape
Try some glide tape as used on dinghy centerboards to reduce friction associated with moving the board up and down. APS sells it by the roll.
Try some glide tape as used on dinghy centerboards to reduce friction associated with moving the board up and down. APS sells it by the roll.
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