"Gregory Hall" wrote in message
...

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:41:55 -0500, wrote:

Next time, tap the holes to make threads for machine screws. Mount
using SS machine screws coated with TefGel.

Where do you get them ?


I agree with the machine screw suggestion. I disagree with the use of SS
machine screws. Use aluminum machine screws instead. Seal the threads with
blue Locktite. This avoids the battery effect when salt water gets in the
threads between the SS screws and the aluminum mast.

Wilbur Hubbard -----------LIAR




Stop it, Gregory. You'll confuse these people more than they already are.
Especially poor Geoff Schultz.


Wilbur Hubbard (the real one!)

wrote in message
...
On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:19:52 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:41:55 -0500, wrote:

Next time, tap the holes to make threads for machine screws. Mount
using SS machine screws coated with TefGel.

Where do you get them ?

???

You can get SS machine screws from many sources, and TefGel is not
THAT hard to find. A little tube of it is a bit pricey, but lasts a
very long time. No marine toolkit should be without it.



Like here? http://www.tef-gel.com/ LOL

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

On 12 Dec 2008 14:44:01 -0600, Dave wrote:

On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:12:40 -0500, said:

Hmm. There appear to be 3 dealers in the State of NY--2 in Greenport and 1
in Montauk.

Well, I guess since you don't have access to the internet or a
telephone, you're out of luck!

Ah, but I'm just a short sail from Greenport.

Seriously, though, I wonder why there are so few dealers for this magic
elixir. I don't see any shown to be in CT.

I got mine from Sailcare. I think it was about $15 including shipping
for a 1 ounce tube. A little goes a long way. I think that works out
to about $1 a year!

It's not exactly a mass market item. I'll bet Aerospace and other high
tech manufacturers order it by the barrel.

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:50:26 -0800 (PST), joost
wrote:

I am investigating the best way to fasten a 4 metre long alu t-track
for my whisker/spi pole to the alu mast.

Currently I have a short length of track (1 metre) which is fastened
with SS screws. I am not satisfied with this, because the screws react
with the aluminium of the mast and dissolve the thread. The track
comes off. I also find it quite difficult to drill and tap the holes
in the mast accurately sitting in a bosun's chair.

My question is whether it would be better to fasten the track with SS
rivets dipped in some isolating compound. At least I wouldn't have the
problem of the tiny threads corroding away and loosening the
fasteners. Also I think that I have a bit more tolerance for drilling
the holes + I can reuse the existing worn out holes to put the rivets
in (instead of tapping one size up).

But, how strong is it compared to screws?

And, how would I go with off-the-shelf T-track which is made for
countersunk heads?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Joost.

Next time, tap the holes to make threads for machine screws. Mount
using SS machine screws coated with TefGel.



Wouldn't stainless promote a galvanic response between the screws and the
two pieces of aluminum?

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:59:53 -0800, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

Wouldn't stainless promote a galvanic response between the screws and the
two pieces of aluminum?

Presumably the Tef-Gel acts as an insulator/isolator just as silicone
does. The thing I like about silicone is that you can buy it
anywhere, it is inexpensive and works very well. I first learned the
silicone trick from a professional rigger who installs hundreds of SS
fasteners into aluminum every year. He said that he'd never had a
problem with corrosion and I haven't either since starting to use it.

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:59:53 -0800, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

Wouldn't stainless promote a galvanic response between the screws and the
two pieces of aluminum?

Presumably the Tef-Gel acts as an insulator/isolator just as silicone
does. The thing I like about silicone is that you can buy it
anywhere, it is inexpensive and works very well. I first learned the
silicone trick from a professional rigger who installs hundreds of SS
fasteners into aluminum every year. He said that he'd never had a
problem with corrosion and I haven't either since starting to use it.



Basically, they're substituting Teflon for silicone, because they claim that
silicone will evaporate?

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:54:43 -0800, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

Basically, they're substituting Teflon for silicone, because they claim that
silicone will evaporate?

Should have made this clear I guess, I'm talking about silicone
bedding compound/sealant, not spray silicone.

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/BOA-1140/

Or similar.

wrote in message
...
On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:59:53 -0800, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

wrote in message
. ..
On Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:50:26 -0800 (PST), joost
wrote:

I am investigating the best way to fasten a 4 metre long alu t-track
for my whisker/spi pole to the alu mast.

Currently I have a short length of track (1 metre) which is fastened
with SS screws. I am not satisfied with this, because the screws react
with the aluminium of the mast and dissolve the thread. The track
comes off. I also find it quite difficult to drill and tap the holes
in the mast accurately sitting in a bosun's chair.

My question is whether it would be better to fasten the track with SS
rivets dipped in some isolating compound. At least I wouldn't have the
problem of the tiny threads corroding away and loosening the
fasteners. Also I think that I have a bit more tolerance for drilling
the holes + I can reuse the existing worn out holes to put the rivets
in (instead of tapping one size up).

But, how strong is it compared to screws?

And, how would I go with off-the-shelf T-track which is made for
countersunk heads?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Joost.

Next time, tap the holes to make threads for machine screws. Mount
using SS machine screws coated with TefGel.



Wouldn't stainless promote a galvanic response between the screws and the
two pieces of aluminum?

No. That's what the TefGel eliminates.



Heh... I guess I should have paid more attention. LOL


--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

On Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:50:26 -0800 (PST), joost
wrote:

I am investigating the best way to fasten a 4 metre long alu t-track
for my whisker/spi pole to the alu mast.
....
And, how would I go with off-the-shelf T-track which is made for
countersunk heads?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Joost.

You might think about riv-nuts. Bigger hole in the mast, but much
more thread, when the riv-nut is pulled in place.

Brian W

"Brian Whatcott" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:50:26 -0800 (PST), joost
wrote:

I am investigating the best way to fasten a 4 metre long alu t-track
for my whisker/spi pole to the alu mast.
...
And, how would I go with off-the-shelf T-track which is made for
countersunk heads?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Joost.

You might think about riv-nuts. Bigger hole in the mast, but much
more thread, when the riv-nut is pulled in place.

Brian W


Roll your own tool...

http://www.fjr1300.info/howto/rivnut-tool.html

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com