Bimini Tower screws

[FloJet]

One of my screws is loose in the bimini tower leg holders. The holder where you have to pull and rotate pin to get the legs of the bimini into. It seems that the hole it screws into the tower has widen slight and the normal #10 1" long screw is not holding tight. I want to use a bigger screw but the head on the screw seems to be too big after a #10 sheet metal screw. Any ides to compensate for this?

 

[ScottS]

Did you ever find a solution to this? I arrived at the lake yesterday and my bimini was hanging as both of the screws in one of the mounts had worked themselves out. I was only able to find one screw. Thanks for any help! Sorry for reviving a dead thread!

 

[FloJet]

Yes I had to take it to a welder and they used some kind of expanding bolts that had to be used with an air gun. Once they figured out what size they needed as it didn't work the first time, It has been great since then. Ill probably do that to the rest as they fail but everything seems to be working great. Mine got ripped out on the highway and expanded the screw holes.

 

[ScottS]

Thanks @FloJet

I am not sure if men are stripped yet. But I am going to start with Blue Loctite and hope that the screw holes are still sound. If not, I may add two wraps of Teflon thread sealant tape and see where that gets me. If things still don't hold, it is good to know there is a viable option out there. Thanks again!

 

[FloJet]

Yup no worries at all. I tried all that you said and it never held up. But if yours are not stripped then you might have better luck than I did. Good luck on it. If it don't work and need to know the bolt type, Ill ask the welder for you.