How do you install a fastener into the gelcoat without cracking it? I already did the cracking part.
Fasteners in fiberglass
- Thread starter Broke sailor SV Marcell
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one idea
I tried this once and it seemed to work. I pre drilled the hole a size smaller than the screw, so the threads work. Then I put on a larger bit and drilled in just enough to get threw the gel coat and stopped. I usually bolt everything I can and put on lock nuts.
I tried this once and it seemed to work. I pre drilled the hole a size smaller than the screw, so the threads work. Then I put on a larger bit and drilled in just enough to get threw the gel coat and stopped. I usually bolt everything I can and put on lock nuts.
Gel Coat Drilling
I've also heard of people initially running the drill backwards so the bit doesn't grab the gel coat, but rather "gnaws" through it to a point where normal bit rotation will not lift the gel coat. The canvas people did this trick with a countersinking bit on our boat prior to drilling for snaps.
I've also heard of people initially running the drill backwards so the bit doesn't grab the gel coat, but rather "gnaws" through it to a point where normal bit rotation will not lift the gel coat. The canvas people did this trick with a countersinking bit on our boat prior to drilling for snaps.
Try putting a piece of tape
over the spot you plan to drill. Then use a small sharp bit to drill a pilot hole first. Then use the right size bit. Sometimes this works, but not always...:{
over the spot you plan to drill. Then use a small sharp bit to drill a pilot hole first. Then use the right size bit. Sometimes this works, but not always...:{
you need 2 different drill bits
Use the drill bit that you want the screw to set into. Drill through the gelcoat through the fiberglass. Then take a drill bit that is larger, and drill only through the gell coat so the screw can't bite into it. Whola, no gelcoat cracks, i have been doing this method forever and have no problems, just make sure to seal it up with a good sealant.
Use the drill bit that you want the screw to set into. Drill through the gelcoat through the fiberglass. Then take a drill bit that is larger, and drill only through the gell coat so the screw can't bite into it. Whola, no gelcoat cracks, i have been doing this method forever and have no problems, just make sure to seal it up with a good sealant.
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