Right, if you use pops or anything else you need to drill a hole for, of course make sure it's in the right spot and you won't be changing it. I've used regular Phillips pan head screws when I wasn't sure. If you get them tight enough to hold they leave a dent in the tube, but at least it's not a hole.
Set Screwed!!!!! &%@(*^$%$%#$$!!!
- Thread starter topcat0399
- Start date
I think there are 2 answers above that are both right (not to say others are wrong). It is a certainty that Asian fasteners should be avoided at all costs at all times. Why manufacturers bother with them is simply to keep the cost down and to give you something to replace in your SPARE TIME. Using pop rivets is usually OK if you remember that the neither the rivet head nor it's cylinder have the same strenth as an actual screw which has a solid body (assuming its made in USA or EU).
IMO manufacturers that use Asian hardware should be hung from the Yardarm!
IMO manufacturers that use Asian hardware should be hung from the Yardarm!
Last edited:
All possibilities of your problem are covered. I would just add that using thru bolts that do not depend on pressure for the attachment like set screws is a way to guarantee there are no far eastern gremlins in your rig.
Sometimes when I'm disassembling something with Allan set screws I just reach for my screw extractors. I know the Allen wrenches probably won't work so I don't even bother with them.
A Torx screwdriver is usually able to grab what is left to the head then slowly turn out the set screw. If this fails then yes get out the extractors.
Probably as much bad design as manufacturing. In smaller sizes like 1/4" there just isn't much corner to get a bite on. There has to be a little play to get the wrench in the hole and that doesn't leave much meat. In larger sizes like 1/2" they work pretty well.
Gulfcoastsailor,
Thats what you go to a regular hardware store for! Yes, they are getting harder to find (regular hardware stores that is), but now you have to search them out. If the guys at the store don't know their stock you may have to read the label on a full box to find out.
This is what drives me nuts about people who only shop for price, without thinking about quality when it comes to marine hardware! We've screwed (no pun intended) ourselves as a nation just to save a buck while never thinking about quality.
America! When are you going to wake up?
Thats what you go to a regular hardware store for! Yes, they are getting harder to find (regular hardware stores that is), but now you have to search them out. If the guys at the store don't know their stock you may have to read the label on a full box to find out.
This is what drives me nuts about people who only shop for price, without thinking about quality when it comes to marine hardware! We've screwed (no pun intended) ourselves as a nation just to save a buck while never thinking about quality.
America! When are you going to wake up?
Last edited:
What many of you are unaware, I have run across many of the Phillips and flat head screws, bolts and so forth are difficult to use a screwdriver on as they are not to specs. Upon investigating, guess where they were made. China of course. I am cautious when purchasing bolts and screws to make sure U S made and no issues.
To help "set" a set screw drill a shallow dimple into the material to accept the end of the set screw and use loc tite .