Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian McColgin
Many do install with sheetmetal screws and things like fairleads are often low enough load that the distinctly inferior grip of a sheet metal screw will not be a problem. And it's certainly faster to drill one hole and force the screw in. For my own use and for any work I've done for customers, however, I always drill, tap and use a bolt on aluminum masts and booms.
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I agree with what Ian says here. I also use appropriately-sized machine screws for mounting hardware on aluminum masts and booms. However, many people (including some of my friends) do not agree. In a separate thread, I asked about objective engineering data on the relative holding power of machine screws vs, sheet metal (self-tapping) screws in aluminum. I have seen no replies. Does anyone know of any such data? Or is it all just opinion?
Jim Fulton