Screw Snap Replacement?

[TXDONZI]

I am in the process of replacing the screw snaps on my boat what sealant should be used in the holes while screwing the new ones in?

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Silicone has always worked fine for me.

[f_inscreenname]

Just be careful when using a sealant on them. They will strip out the hole real easy.

[Ghost]

Beyond sealant to Mark's point, I know some shops that actually drill and tap the fiberglass, rather than using a standard screw.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

I have seen two different length screws on snaps with a slight difference in how much thread was on the screws. Since you will be replacing the snaps, you will probably not need to countersink the gelcoat but it is a good procedure any time self tapping screws are going into fiberglass to prevent the surface gelcoat from fracturing.

[TXDONZI]

Thanks for all the response. I am just replacing old with new but did chamfer all of the holes with the tip of a philips bit in my drill. I also bought 1/2" long screw to replace the 3/8" ones so I make sure they get a little more bite.

[turbo2256]

Cant do it everywhere but where possible I use machinist screws and a nut. For sealant used the above water line version of the 5200 sealant think its 4200

[SKnies]

I fight with the snaps around my cockpit when I put the cover on or take it off. Always have to push or pull from different directions and I even ripped the cover. I assumed it's because they're no longer round. Same thing holds true for the back seat cushions. Don't you need to replace the snaps on the cover and/or cushions also?

[Ghost]

I fight with the snaps around my cockpit when I put the cover on or take it off. Always have to push or pull from different directions and I even ripped the cover. I assumed it's because they're no longer round. Same thing holds true for the back seat cushions. Don't you need to replace the snaps on the cover and/or cushions also?

Have you you vaselined the snaps? Night and day when done.

[gcarter]

If you look at snaps on eBay, you'll find a two ended tool for removing covers etc.
It simply separates the snap parts and removes any stress from the cover.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Top-Snapper-...hXmkIM&vxp=mtr

[tmdog]

Same snaps on seat cushions and cover for past 19 yrs. without issue. Never lubed snaps although 18C has been stored indoors for those 19 yrs.

[SKnies]

If you look at snaps on eBay, you'll find a two ended tool for removing covers etc.
It simply separates the snap parts and removes any stress from the cover.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Top-Snapper-...hXmkIM&vxp=mtr

Thank you George! I'm going to get that tool. I've been boating all my life, but recently got my 1st Donzi...a '96 22 Classic. I learned about this site and have garnered tons of good information. Very cool!

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Have you you vaselined the snaps? Night and day when done.

I need to try this; it sounds like a great way to deal with snaps that don't want to go on or come off easily.

[Morgan's Cloud]

I need to try this; it sounds like a great way to deal with snaps that don't want to go on or come off easily.

The environment out here is a killer on everything , snaps included. Nothing tries your patience like a few snaps on the cover that are virtually seized in place.

Your marine supply store might carry small tubes of snap and zipper lube . Failing that even spray lube/oil will work but vaseline is the old go to .

And it's true , the difference afterwards IS like night and day .

[SKnies]

Have you you vaselined the snaps? Night and day when done.

Thank you! I'll do that. Sure as heck beats replacing them if I don't need to.