Fastening Hardware to Boom

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Warren Kaplan

Fastening Hardware to Boom

Post by Warren Kaplan »

What's the best way to fasten hardware to the boom? My boom is set up for 1 reef and I may want to fasten another cheek block and cleat, or a track onto the boom for a 2nd reef. These will be placed too far from either end to get a thru bolt with washer an nuts on there. So what type of fastener would you use to hold hardware secure away form the boom ends.
Thanks,
Warren Kaplan
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27



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Bill Goldsmith

Re: Fastening Hardware to Boom

Post by Bill Goldsmith »

Warren:

There are four ways to attach hardware to a boom or mast: (1) self-tapping stainless screw (least desirable) (2) tapping threads in the boom (the CD27 boom has got a wall thick enough to get some good threads going), (3) Through bolting ALL the way to the other side of the boom (Usually reserved for mainsheet bail, or other hardware with high load), and (4) rivets.

Of these, I would tap threads and install stainless machine screws for reefing hardware on a CD27. Be sure to use Tef-gel or other anti-sieze/corrosion compound when installed. If it were a boat with a thin-walled boom, I would probably go to rivets, or maybe the new-fangled rivets that leave a hole with threads to screw into. :
All the best.

Bill Goldsmith (Boat splashed last week, just stepped and tuned the mast--hoping to get the first sail one evening this week!!)



What's the best way to fasten hardware to the boom?


My boom is set up for 1 reef and I may want to fasten another cheek block and cleat, or a track onto the boom for a 2nd reef. These will be placed too far from either end to get a thru bolt with washer an nuts on there. So what type of fastener would you use to hold hardware secure away form the boom ends.
Warren Kaplan wrote: Thanks,
Warren Kaplan
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27


goldy@bestweb.net
Warren Kaplan

Re: Fastening Hardware to Boom

Post by Warren Kaplan »

Bill Goldsmith wrote: Warren:

There are four ways to attach hardware to a boom or mast: (1) self-tapping stainless screw (least desirable) (2) tapping threads in the boom (the CD27 boom has got a wall thick enough to get some good threads going), (3) Through bolting ALL the way to the other side of the boom (Usually reserved for mainsheet bail, or other hardware with high load), and (4) rivets.

Of these, I would tap threads and install stainless machine screws for reefing hardware on a CD27. Be sure to use Tef-gel or other anti-sieze/corrosion compound when installed. If it were a boat with a thin-walled boom, I would probably go to rivets, or maybe the new-fangled rivets that leave a hole with threads to screw into. :
All the best.

Bill Goldsmith (Boat splashed last week, just stepped and tuned the mast--hoping to get the first sail one evening this week!!)


What's the best way to fasten hardware to the boom?


My boom is set up for 1 reef and I may want to fasten another cheek block and cleat, or a track onto the boom for a 2nd reef. These will be placed too far from either end to get a thru bolt with washer an nuts on there. So what type of fastener would you use to hold hardware secure away form the boom ends.
Warren Kaplan wrote: Thanks,
Warren Kaplan
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27
Thanks Bill....I'll get myself some taps and machine screws and give it a try.
Warren



Setsail728@aol.com
Anthony P. Jeske

Re: Fastening Hardware to Boom

Post by Anthony P. Jeske »

Warren:
I agree, tapping for a machine screw is best. You will find that just about all your needs can be covered by three sizes, #8-32, #10-24 and 1/4"- 20 machine screws. Be sure to use numbered drills, not fractional, when you drill before tapping to insure you get maximum thread engagement. I believe this is especially important in thin wall material such as masts and booms. The number drill for the 8-32 is 28; 10-24 is 25 and 1/4-20 is 8.
Good Luck,
Tony Jeske



ajeske@ixpres.com
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