I never really liked the Idea of self tappers either.

Although sailboards all seem to have them and without any issues.and there are a lot of really old sailboards around so they should know.

From my experience if you do happen to strip one out you can allways re tap it with a larger screw.This seems to work well.The inserts are normally quite solid blocks of plastic, so you can just screw a larger screw in and you will have tight fit again.

Best thing is not to take the foot straps on and off all the time.
So dont go sharering ya board around with your goofy footed mates! (This is how some inserts on a board of mine started to go)

They should not work loose though unless you have been taking your straps on and off all the time.

Sheil be right

Enjoy your new board!

regards

Luke

Alternatively get some plumbers tape and wrap that around your screws before you screw them in.

I use this stuff the name of which i cant remember right now. Its a red liquid that you squirt into the inserts you then screw in the bolt and the red liquid hardens making it impossible for the screw to come undone unless you use a screw driver.

I did my Twinnie with this 3 years ago and they still hold fast.
When i get home i will post the name of this red wonder fluid.

Ive had every board made with the plastic inserts and use self tappers,they are better than threaded inserts because they dont cross thread and if you do them up tight to start with and use a good washer they dont move, i take my straps off to go strapless or move to another board often with no problems, but as luke said you can always go to a larger screw, but rarely necessary,unlike the threaded type when you cross thread them thats it you cant use that insert successfully again

Hi Lankenny,

The original Converse came out with threaded inserts but they were constantly coming loose. They then tried threaded inserts with thumbscrews so you didn't need a screwdriver and have changed to self tappers. I have not had to retighten the self tappers since I put them in and I have taken the straps on and off the board once or twice. I don't think it's an issue but I wouldn't remove them two times a day every day just to make sure you don't wear or start cutting more than one helix into the glass.

The Converse are sick boards. I had a ride in nice head high right hand surf at Cott and the 6'4" was wicked. That last 40 knot day I was out on the 6' Converse and that was awesome too. They are such nice riding boards.

Enjoy,

Hi Buell,Thanks for the tip.Im sure it will come in handy one day.

Cheers

Luke