SS Bolts set in epoxy

[doc g]

Am I asking for crevice corrosion problems if I set new SS bolts in epoxy. I am replacing some bolts on my swim platform and need to epoxy the old holes because the diameter is too big. I could fill the holes with West let set and then drill them for the new bolts or I was thinking of setting them into the WS epoxy so I would not have to wait/redrill the holes or worry that the new carriage bolts will crack the new epoxy. Any thoughts or insights would be great!....................Pat

 

[Boatsb]

I would NOT set the bolts below the waterline in epoxy. If the bond is not perfect it could leak. Put them in a drilled hole with propper bedding compound (caulk) to be safe. if you are worried about splitting the patch build a better patch. It should not be that brittle. Pure epoxy resin is not very strong. You need the fiber reinforcement for strength.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Whats the hole size difference? Washer both sides an fill with 5200 ws

 

[doc g]

they are above the waterline ,bolts that hold the platform to the bracket. I was worried that if no oxygen that they'd rust again .........Pat

 

[jim rosenthal]

Well, I've done this, and they didn't corrode. You could also use bronze bolts...but I had no problem with SS. What might be helpful is to look in McMaster-Carr and buy 316SS bolts, nuts and washers. I have had some corrosion problems with 304 or 18-8 SS.

Another option, if there aren't a lot of bolts and nuts, is to use Monel ones. They won't corrode either. They cost a lot, but if it's just a few it might be worth it.