Canvas snap repair

dotnmarty · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 8:27 pm Post subject: Canvas snap repair

I've been replacing a few snaps on my mooring cover canvas. It's pretty easy with the right tool and snaps that go through the canvas. Hoever, I have one broken stud that comes out of the fiberglass along the motor well. It's glassed in at the back. How the heck can I get the old one out and replaced with out drilling a big hole? Thanks.

thataway · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 10:20 pm Post subject:

I have used a Dremel tool to cut out a small amount of the glass around the stud--then cut the end of the stud square and used a small pair of Vise Grips to get a good hold of the stud and back it out. Then either put in gel coat or marine tex and put a new snap/stud in place. The brass rim will cover the area you repaired.

CAVU · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 1:16 am Post subject:

Marty,
On most boats those snaps are usually pop-riveted into the fiberglass. I have replaced several by carefully drilling out the center with a drill bit of exactly the right size. A set of numbered (size) bits will give you a better choice of sizes. Sometimes the snap part will want to spin as you drill. It helps to hold it stationary with needlenose pliers while you slowly drill out the center. If the hole wears out too large to hold another pop-rivet you can then fill with marine-tex and redrill. Usually I can reuse the hole. Good luck.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 1:38 am Post subject:

Great ideas here from Bob and Ken!

The real complicating factor on re-installation is the lack of access to the back side of the fiberglass panel, which is why pop rivets are sometimes used over screw threads in the first place.

I've got two of these on my Sea Ray, and wonder if I can get enough epoxy through the existing hole that it will hold sufficiently when drilled out and re-riveted.

I'm wondering if some type of threaded insert or jack nut would have a larger backing/expanding section that would bite better than a pop-rivet or a threaded screw? (I know I'd have to enlarge the hole slightly.)

Discussion HERE.

Joe.

CAVU · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 2:07 am Post subject:

Joe,
I have never seen or used a "jack nut." But it looks like a slick idea. Another thought would be to go up one size on the pop-rivet, i.e. from a 1/8 to a 3/16?

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 2:34 am Post subject:

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:31 am Post subject:

While not as elegant as the aforementioned options, one way that I usually fall back upon in such situations is to remove the snap, screw, rivet or fitting, then fill the hole with epoxy or 5200 and broken toothpicks and then screw a new fitting into the hole and wait for it to set before use. I usually even hammer the toothpicks in to get a more dense filling.

That's the way I've fixed the screen door since I was a kid - just different glue!

John

dotnmarty · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:35 am Post subject:

Thanks guys for all the good advice.

thataway · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:14 pm Post subject:

The problem with pop rivets in fiberglass, is that the pop rivet tends to fracture the glass, both initially and with time as it wears. There is no backing washer. When possiable, pop rivets should be used with a properly sized washer on the back side. This tends to spread out the load, and make fracture of the glass less likely.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:21 pm Post subject:

anntaylor · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Posts: 1

I don't have any Dinghy, so I going to buy one so please suggest me which company's dinghy is best including all the technical features?

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:09 am Post subject:

Ann, if it is Ann, you have posted on an old thread about canvas snaps. Recommend posting on a new thread and entitle it "looking for dingy" or find one about dingys...

Good luck.

Charlie