Drilling A Hole in H26 Tiller

[BrianW]

I will be installing a Tiller Mate on my H26. I have to install a small cleat on the tiller. I may be able to install it near enough to the end of the tiller that I can simply use a bolt and nut. BUT, if I can't , I'll have to screw it onto the tiller. Should I tap a hole for the screw or simply use a self-tapping screw? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks! BrianW

 

[LDM]

I would tap a hole for the screw. Use a drill bit that is just a little smaller than the threads. A self-tapping screw may try to push the laminated layers of wood apart as it goes in and create another problem.

 

[BrianW]

H26 Tiller Is Tubular Stainless Steel

I'm sorry I forgot to add more detail..... My tiller is made of tubular stainless steel. BrianW

 

[Tom L]

Re: H26 Tiller Is Tubular Stainless Steel

Are you sure it is stainless steel? My H23.5's tiller is made of tubular aluminum. I thought it was stainless until I went to drill two holes to mount a tiller extention and I found out it was aluminum (too soft to be steel). I drilled two holes on the top within about the last 3 inches to mount the extension and used small stainless steel bolts with lock nuts. I taped the nuts to a small wrench and was able to reach in to screw the bolts into them.

 

[BrianW]

Re: H26 Tiller Is Tubular Stainless Steel

Thanks Tom for the correction about the aluminum tiller! I verified mine by slightly scratching it with a steel razor knife. Yep, it's aluminum too! That info is really good to know. Thanks again. BrianW