Have I put my new anode bolts in the right way round?

[NealB]

I've just replaced Arendala's zinc anodes, and used these fixing bolts:

01007: Bolt On Stud 10mm Diameter with nuts and washers | Anodes Direct

I didn't take any pics, but here's what I did, in words.

I took the two nuts, two washers, and two wire connectors off of the 'long' end of each bolt.

I pushed that long end through from the outside of the hull, so that the thick, fixed, washer on the short end, butts up against the underside of the hull (yes, with a few turns of caulking cotton, and a good 'squeeze' of sealant).

Is that the right way round, or should I have pushed the short end of the bolt through from inside the bilges (so the thick, fixed, washer would butt up against the inside of the hull?).

Does it matter?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Rappey]

That sounds correct. You don't want the anode stud rotating when unbolting an anode which could happen if you fitted it from the inside.

 

[PaulRainbow]

As per post #2, you are correct Neal

 

[NealB]

Thank you, oh wise ones, for your confidence-spreading words.

It seemed pretty obvious, to me, but looking around the yard gave me some doubts.

 

[Rappey]

The anode studs never come with fitting instructions . The one in your pic kind of shows how it's fitted as the electrical connections are on the inside end.
I fitted a new anode a few weeks ago and had to hammer the stud ends towards each other to enable the anode to fit over them . Not had that problem before.

 

[Tranona]

How to fit studs and anodes can be found on the MG Duff site - and as said you have it right.

 

[pvb]

How to fit studs and anodes can be found on the MG Duff site - and as said you have it right.

One thing which isn't mentioned on the MG Duff website is that it's a good idea to use two nuts on the studs at each end of the anode. The reason is that you can then use a spanner to hold the nut closer to the anode whilst undoing the outer nut. The outer nut will remove any fouling on the end of the stud, allowing the nut closer to the anode to be undone with little effort.

 

[Concerto]

One thing which isn't mentioned on the MG Duff website is that it's a good idea to use two nuts on the studs at each end of the anode. The reason is that you can then use a spanner to hold the nut closer to the anode whilst undoing the outer nut. The outer nut will remove any fouling on the end of the stud, allowing the nut closer to the anode to be undone with little effort.

Good idea but I just cover the nuts with butyl rubber to keep them clean. Highly unlikely to come off and easy to remove when required as it does not set.

 

[Rappey]

I use the ones with recessed holes so can only get to the nut with a socket.. Never had a problem getting them undone and i would guess the nuts and stud are well protected from corrosion by the anode as mine are quite old but still in great shape

 

[Moodysailor]

Good idea but I just cover the nuts with butyl rubber to keep them clean. Highly unlikely to come off and easy to remove when required as it does not set.

I like this tip, and will steal it thanks. I've never had much luck protecting the threads and resign myself to the fact that I need to replace the studs each time I change the anodes (to the point that I pick up a set of bolts with the anodes...) Hopefully this will save a bit more unnecessary time and waste in future ?

 

[penfold]

Trim the things so there isn't any bare thread; as you note it just rusts and grows barnacles.