Canopy studs broken - how to replace

philipm

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The majority of the fixings on our canopy are the usual metal press-studs. However we have two studs which are plastic and consist of a plastic plunger which must be pulled out in order to release them. They are fiddly and I've never liked them.

Anyway both of them have broken since I last visited the boat (prime suspect is the valeter) and I am wondering how to replace? Are special tools needed and where can one buy replacements (I have googled)?

Or should I just pay a canopy fitter to fix them?

Thanks all.
 
If the stud is the same size as you are replacing, replacing the “male” stud on the GRP, with a metal stud is usually easy. They simply screw in to a pre-drilled the correct size hole. use some sikaflex/CT1/silicon to waterproof the hole and improve adhesion.

possibly more problematic is changing the ”female” part on the Canvas, if that needs changing, but the parts are available from most sailmakers or online chandlers.

If the old plastic part on the GRP is a different type, you might need to hole fill with epoxy and re-drill.
 
Thanks rogershaw. Agreed. Any idea if specialist tools are needed for removing and fixing new fasteners?

There are special tools to cut the holes in the fabric for the part with the hold but I have cut the holes in the centre and foe the locking tal with a small wood chisel and mallet.

I did buy one for the lift the dot as I needed to do quite a lot.
 
Thanks. Can't quite follow your reply - "foe the locking tal " and "I did buy one for the lift the dot "?

Sorry finger trouble

"For the locking tabs". Fold over tabs that lock the 2 halves together through the fabric.

On both types there is a central hole with 4 tabs that go through the fabric to lock the 2 halves together.

 
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