Screws...........

LittleShip

LittleShip

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I have just removed the rubbing streak and it had bronze screws, which I am having difficulty finding 12x4"x150 (not cheap)

My question is can I use Stainless steel or brass without worrying. the screws have bungs over them once fitted.

Any info on where to buy and or alternatives would be appreciated.

I would prefer to fit bronze if I can but at this point I'm struggling to find a supplier.

Tom
 
I'd have no hesitation about using stainless steel for the rubbing strake. Just don't use it below the waterline; that's a disaster. I cannot comment on suppliers except to say that other British correspondents have recommended Anglia Stainless for both Stainless Steel and bronze fasteners.
Peter.
 
Yes - Anglia Stainless Ltd. They have a huge range of silicon bronze fastenings and, unlike some suppliers of fastenings, charge very little for postage and have no minimum order.
 
Tom

Just had a look back at some old invoices. When we refixed our rubbing strakes, the screws were No.14 by 4. Not 12. We got ours from Anglia Stainless. Although later stuff was bought from GTC direct.

Cheers Colin
 
Brass very quickly [and I'm talking about a few months here] loses the zinc part of the alloy, which leaves the remaining copper like a sponge, much weaker than solid copper. Brass belongs ashore or in light dinghies which will never see salt water. Beware of "Manganese Bronze" as this is not a bronze at all, but a brass, and subject to all the problems that I have outlined above.
Peter.
 
New to forum so be gentle...
This post brought to mind that I replaced the galvanised eyebolt on stem to which the bobstay connects (does it have a 'proper' name?) with a nice chunky 316 S/S one. Spends most of its life above waterline but gets dunked frequently underway. Was S/Steel a bad choice in this situation -would hate for it to 'let go' unexpectedly!
 
Stainless in this situation should be fine. But it may make the bobstay go rusty, where it joins it, if its galvanised. If stainless no hassles.
 
Do not use brass screws, they have no place on a boat, unless inside, where they dont get wet. Even then I wont use them aboard, stainless should be fine for a rubbing strake, but make sure they are 316, I had some which went rusty!
 
Yes, 304 grade stainless will rust, but it is usually a light rust, more of a cosmetic disfigurement than a serious weakening of the item. To test whether an item is 304 or 316 grade, take along a magnet. 304 grade is magnetic, 316 is not.
Peter.
 
Many thanks, I was inclined to think it would be OK but good to have this confirmed. I was'nt sure about a reaction with the galvanised bobstay, also I did'nt want to wear the nice new eye so I slipped a piece of hard re-inforced hose over the shackle pin -seems to have been OK.
I agree with comments with regard to brass screws. I used a few (fortunately only on interior fit out) before I knew better -interestingly some faired better than others, so I guess not all 'brass' is equal? These days I won't take the risk, Si Bronze or Stainless and hang the expense, better a few more pennies (or more likely pounds) than suffer unexpected consiquences
 
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