Old SS Fasteners.
 

With the rig out of the boat this week, it is getting a good going over and I am trying to get everything as fixed as I can in the yard time I have available. Of course there are always old problems that need to be fixed, and this forum has always been a great source of help and advice on those little needling things I want to be sure I get right. So here is the question of the day...

There are a number of places on my 30 year old spars where PO's (Previous Owners) had installed hardware without appropriate "goop" on the stainless threads. Some of this hardware has been removed, leaving (surprise!) broken off stubs of stainless bolts embedded in the spar.

Should I just cuss the stupidity of the PO grind them flush and leave them there? Drill them out and fill the holes? Fill the holes with what? Rivets? Epoxy? The mast is unpainted, and in most of the cases appearance is not a significant issue.

Bill Kinney

old s/s fast'n'rs
 

Hi Bill,
If fasteners have broken off, there is no structural benefit in removal and filling, as they're quite firm in place already. You say appearance is not the primary consideration, so grinding flush is the most expediant solution.
Before grinding, tape around the screw with painters tape (it's thin) as a guide for when you're getting too close to the mast. The grinder will ding the tape before you put a little smile on the mast.
Cheers, Russ L