Brass Self Tapping Screws

[colhel]

Anyone know of a source to buy about 100 brass self tappers, about 15mm long, I want to re-knew the ones in the cabin. I've seen them at Piplers I think, but only in small qty bags IIRC which could work out a bit pricey. Also brass "cup" washers to suit.
Thank You

 

[SHUG]

If they exist , this Company will get them for you http://www.gtc-direct.com/

I havn't come across them and wonder is brass is hard enough to function as a self-tapper.

 

[electrosys]

I'll also echo a caution as to whether brass can handle the shear-stresses of self-tapping. If you can source 'em, then I'd recommend running an identical size steel self-tapper in first, then replace it with the brass - lubed with soap if necessary.

 

[KristiferColumbus]

I would'nt touch brass in a marine environment even if there is such a thing as a brass self tapper.Probably only last about seven years at best before breaking down.

 

[Billjratt]

OP mentions cup-washers, so is it possible we are talking ordinary countersunk woodscrews here?
Agree the torsion on a brass self-tapper-shaped screw would probably wreck it going in - or if not, it would never come out again in one piece- but I've never seen any.
Internal cabin-work should be OK for brass - or seems to be on my 1978 boat. I always grease them before inserting.

 

[vyv_cox]

Will stainless steel ones from Toolstation do? £3.65 for 200 in the size you want, here. They don't seem to do screw cups but Screwfix do, here. £2.68 for 100. Unfortunately I can't find nickel plated brass, which would match the stainless screws, but those linked are brass.

 

[colhel]

OP mentions cup-washers, so is it possible we are talking ordinary countersunk woodscrews here?
Agree the torsion on a brass self-tapper-shaped screw would probably wreck it going in - or if not, it would never come out again in one piece- but I've never seen any.
Internal cabin-work should be OK for brass - or seems to be on my 1978 boat. I always grease them before inserting.

I think we are yes . Thanks for correcting me. Do you know where I can get some?

 

[colhel]

Sorry Vyv, I missed your post.

I think the 5/8" ones will do nicely.

Thanks to all.

 

[andygc]

I would'nt touch brass in a marine environment even if there is such a thing as a brass self tapper.Probably only last about seven years at best before breaking down.

It depends on the quality of the brass, where they are and what they are used for. In the last few years I've removed quite a few brass screws from my boat whilst working on it. On deck they tend to break down, but in the cabin I've had very few problems. The majority of the screws I've removed were first fitted between 1971 and 1974 - a tad longer than 7 years. If all they are doing is holding interior trim then brass should be OK, but if the originals are brass then they'll be woodscrews, not self-tappers.

I've just replaced two brass wear strips on my coaming - removed to make a better job of the stripping and refinishing. They clearly haven't been removed since the 1970s and one quarter of the screws were waisted and sheared. The rest came out fine. I reckon the replacements should be good for another 30-40 years, but the coaming probably won't, so why buy bronze?

 

[andygc]

Will stainless steel ones from Toolstation do? £3.65 for 200 in the size you want, here. They don't seem to do screw cups but Screwfix do, here. £2.68 for 100. Unfortunately I can't find nickel plated brass, which would match the stainless screws, but those linked are brass.

Screwfix sell brass screws which will match their screw cups, but unfortunately the quality is poor.

 

[KristiferColumbus]

It depends on the quality of the brass, where they are and what they are used for. In the last few years I've removed quite a few brass screws from my boat whilst working on it. On deck they tend to break down, but in the cabin I've had very few problems. The majority of the screws I've removed were first fitted between 1971 and 1974 - a tad longer than 7 years. If all they are doing is holding interior trim then brass should be OK, but if the originals are brass then they'll be woodscrews, not self-tappers.

I've just replaced two brass wear strips on my coaming - removed to make a better job of the stripping and refinishing. They clearly haven't been removed since the 1970s and one quarter of the screws were waisted and sheared. The rest came out fine. I reckon the replacements should be good for another 30-40 years, but the coaming probably won't, so why buy bronze?

Brass age hardens quite apart from anything else & was originally designed for ornaments so unless your boat builder was particularly crumby I suspect your deck fittings were bronze.
The recent scandal about brass through hull fittings should be enough to put anyone off & I don't think I would trust any boat builder nowadays who uses brass when stainless steel is available.(other opinions are available).

 

[andygc]

Brass age hardens quite apart from anything else & was originally designed for ornaments so unless your boat builder was particularly crumby I suspect your deck fittings were bronze.

I do know the difference. There's also very few places for stainless steel fastenings in a 65 year old boat that's built of oak.