How to fixed pulled screw from fiberglass?

[JJ-B-Boatin]

Does anyone have any suggestions for fixing a screw that has pulled out of the fiberglass? The screw holds a button snap for the snap on cover. I have tried a larger screw but that did not last that long. If I fill the hole with the spectrum paste and then redrill for the screw would that work? Should I fill the hole with epoxy first, then with the spectrum color matched paste, then redrill and insert screw? Is there a better way? Any feedback would be great appreciated!

 

[Bruce]

Fill the hole with epoxy or 3M 5200, let it cure, redrill and reuse the original screw.

 

[Bruce]

Or the lazy version is shoot some 5200 in the hole followed by the original screw and let it cure.

 

[scokill]

If you are in a time pinch take a wooden match and insert in hole and break off and put screw back in. You will have to fix permanently but it can last a long time.

 

[Bill D]

Toothpicks work too. So I'm told...

 

[scokill]

Toothpicks work too. So I'm told...

Yes!

 

[itsdgm]

Do you have access to the area behind the snap? If so, you could put a small bolt on it with a nylock and washer on the backside.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

If you want it to last, you must fill the void with epoxy and add micro balloons if you have them handy. 5200 will not hold well enough.

 

[swatski]

If I fill the hole with the spectrum paste and then redrill for the screw would that work?

Gelcoat alone will crack. That would be fine if you wanted to cover the whole/make it disappear.

Should I fill the hole with epoxy first, then with the spectrum color matched paste, then redrill and insert screw?

Yes, that is the way to go. All cored hull fittings used to be done this way. Our boats are not cored but this is the technique for a good fix. Keep in mind you can get white epoxy which would perhaps look good enough you may not need gelcoat fix on top. I think Marine Tex is one.

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[JJ-B-Boatin]

Thanks for all the feedback! When the screw pulled form the fiberglass, it took a bit of fiberglass with it and left some small scratches. The button is not large enough to cover the area that was damaged. I was hoping I could just fill the hole with the spectrum color match patch, re drill and put the screw in. It seems based on all the responses, my best approach will be to epoxy with micro balloons first, leave a bit of a depression and fill with the spectrum color match paste, re drill and apply the screw/button. Thanks again for all the responses. This site is awesome!

 

[Noko]

If you are in a time pinch take a wooden match and insert in hole and break off and put screw back in. You will have to fix permanently but it can last a long time.

So This Old House has become, This Old Boat.. Will Norm be showing up soon?

 

[Jgorm]

I'd fill the hole with jb weld, then use tape to insert the snap, also covered with jb. Remove tape when cured. Add white paint if you want to touch up.

 

[Coheeba]

This is what I used to fill holes from carpet snaps before installing SeaDek. Link: http://a.co/bYjO999
Dries white-ish