loose companionway steps
Today I have tried something new with WEST SYSTEM to secure the fixed part of a sliding bolt - they classify it as "Advanced fastener bonding" in their guide. The previous owner has already replaced the bolt but despite his best efforts the fixed part of the sliding bolt was still working itself loose. This wouldn't normally be a problem but these bolts (there are two of them) secure the companionway steps in place - ouch and potentially bloody dangerous if they were to fail.
In principle this technique involves drilling oversize holes for the fasteners which increases the exposed substrate area and the amount of epoxy that can be applied around the fastener resulting in greater strength and stability.
The following instructions have been copied from the WEST SYSTEM User Manual & Product Guide ...for information:
1. Drill oversized holes 2/3-3/4 the depth of the fastener. The hole diameter is ¼" larger than the fastener diameter (Figure 16).
2. Drill a normal sized pilot hole at the bottom of the oversized hole to the full length of the fastener. The normal sized pilot hole serves to hold or clamp the hardware in position until the epoxy cures. If the fastener/hardware can be clamped by other means, the oversized hole can be extended to the end of the fastener.
3. Wet out the holes and the fastener with epoxy. Allow the epoxy to thoroughly soak into the exposed end grain of the wood.
4. Fill the hole with thickened epoxy/adhesive filler. Use 404 High-Density (preferred) or 406 Colloidal Silica.
5. Install the fasteners with just enough force to hold the hardware in place. Allow the epoxy to cure thoroughly before applying load to the hardware.
Just one word of warning though if you want to remove the fastener....you need to apply heat to the head of the fastener with a soldering iron or propane torch. Heat will travel down the fastener, softening the epoxy in contact with it. At about 250°F the epoxy should soften enough to allow the fastener to be backed out.
Fingers crossed this will do the trick.
In principle this technique involves drilling oversize holes for the fasteners which increases the exposed substrate area and the amount of epoxy that can be applied around the fastener resulting in greater strength and stability.
The following instructions have been copied from the WEST SYSTEM User Manual & Product Guide ...for information:
1. Drill oversized holes 2/3-3/4 the depth of the fastener. The hole diameter is ¼" larger than the fastener diameter (Figure 16).
2. Drill a normal sized pilot hole at the bottom of the oversized hole to the full length of the fastener. The normal sized pilot hole serves to hold or clamp the hardware in position until the epoxy cures. If the fastener/hardware can be clamped by other means, the oversized hole can be extended to the end of the fastener.
3. Wet out the holes and the fastener with epoxy. Allow the epoxy to thoroughly soak into the exposed end grain of the wood.
4. Fill the hole with thickened epoxy/adhesive filler. Use 404 High-Density (preferred) or 406 Colloidal Silica.
5. Install the fasteners with just enough force to hold the hardware in place. Allow the epoxy to cure thoroughly before applying load to the hardware.
Just one word of warning though if you want to remove the fastener....you need to apply heat to the head of the fastener with a soldering iron or propane torch. Heat will travel down the fastener, softening the epoxy in contact with it. At about 250°F the epoxy should soften enough to allow the fastener to be backed out.
Fingers crossed this will do the trick.
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