Screws have worked their way lose. Re-drill Screw Holes? Fill with Resin compound?

AMetzger

Cadet
Joined
Sep 7, 2010
Messages
14
Some of the screws that hold the windshield to the dash have worked their way lose. I can screw them tight again, but over a few weeks, they'll work their way loose again and the windshield will rattle a bit. I know I could replace those loose screws with bigger screws (I would also have to drill out the screw holes on the aluminum on the underside of the window), but I would rather not use that solution.

Is there a way to fill the current screw holes with a fiberglass resin compound? Then, I would re-drill the screw holes and put the original screws back in. Specifically, what resin compound might I use? (I've looked, but cannot find what exactly might work the best). Thanks.
 

Lyle29464

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
1,261
Re: Screws have worked their way lose. Re-drill Screw Holes? Fill with Resin compound

If the screws are still holding I would put some 3-M 5200 in the hole then tighten them a little past snug and let it set for several days.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
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Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,139
Re: Screws have worked their way lose. Re-drill Screw Holes? Fill with Resin compound

Some of the screws that hold the windshield to the dash have worked their way lose. I can screw them tight again, but over a few weeks, they'll work their way loose again and the windshield will rattle a bit. I know I could replace those loose screws with bigger screws (I would also have to drill out the screw holes on the aluminum on the underside of the window), but I would rather not use that solution.

Is there a way to fill the current screw holes with a fiberglass resin compound? Then, I would re-drill the screw holes and put the original screws back in. Specifically, what resin compound might I use? (I've looked, but cannot find what exactly might work the best). Thanks.

I usually just put some epoxy in the hole to close it up a bit and then put the screw back in. Fiberglass and screws do not get along very well. Somebody should let the boat manufacturers know that . . .
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Screws have worked their way lose. Re-drill Screw Holes? Fill with Resin compound

can we see some pics of what you are working with?
normally the attachments for a windsheild are a bolt with a nylock washer.....they donr come loose !
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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May 19, 2001
Messages
26,065
Re: Screws have worked their way lose. Re-drill Screw Holes? Fill with Resin compound

My windshield has bolts that extend down from the aluminum channel and have locking nuts on the bottom (and a dab of 5200) so they do not come loose.

Some windshields use sheet metal screws which tend to shatter the fiberglass........ you can install them into wet 2 part epoxy but eventually they could work loose........ can you replace the screws with a stainless nut bolt fastener????? That would be better.
 
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