VIC
172 posts
Just made a couple of plywood boards. Does anyone have an opinion on what type of screw inserts I should use for footstraps?
Cheers
WA
3 posts
The simplest way is to use T-nuts. I got mine from an old pair of ski boots but you should be able to get them from a good hardware store.
WA
76 posts
I bought tnuts from bunnings. Unfortunately they don't have stainless ones, but the ones I bought haven't failed in 4 years of pretty constant use.
I found it best to drill through and hammer them in from the bottom, then thread down onto them which holds the strap onto the board.
QLD
51 posts
I used "Bolt In", located in Southport QLD,(thanks to Fitzy who responded to a previous post on this matter) to get 1/4" SS T Nuts. Worked out at a ridiculously cheap $2 each including the SS screws to go with them. Good luck.
QLD
1499 posts
Waxhead,
The best product I have found yet is brass threaded inserts from Sachys Industries. Just drill a 3/8" hole and screw them in. To get a real neat finish, CAREFULLY drill a blind hole 'almost' through the ply (aim to leave 1-2mm of ply under the hole, you will need to use a physical drill stop of some sort). Then epoxy the insert in place, it is best to fill the insert first so that the epoxy doesn't set inside the thread. (I use bees wax and an earplug). Once the epoxy is set, trim the top of the insert off using a router and/or file; remove the plug and you have a solid brass thread and a nice uninterupted wood finish on the bottom of the board. If you are going to glass the board, leave the plug in place until after the glass is on, then carefully use a countersinking bit (or larger drill) the remove the glass over the plug. An added advantage is that being brass, the stainless screws are unlikely to 'pick up' and seize.
Have fun.
WA
148 posts
Who needs inserts? Just bolt them in from below the board with countersunk bolts and lock-nuts. Or, if you wanna have the option of moving the straps without putting more holes in your board, get some plastic. Works just as well - if not better - than thread and just drill a smaller hole than the screw to allow for tapping.
NSW
71 posts
Would drilling a hole thru the wood not cause the wood to suck water in and quickly rot - I got some cheap non-marine plywood skimboards...