One of my fcs side fin front screws has started "not tightening up"
Chucked some JB weld type stuff into the "female part"
whacked some thread tape around the male bit before inserting and screwing
Doing the job so far but maybe there are other solutions?
Next size up on the screw?
Haven't had that problem yet. Only ptoblem I had was the key getting worn and not undoing one. New key fixed that instantly.
Best solution so far is the one by Umberto: www.gong-galaxy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=69049
key points:
- IMPORTANT: tap the hole with a bigger tap first, to provide anchor for the resin.
- fill the hole with epoxy resin heavily loaded with microspheres (IMPORTANT) & bits of fiber (Umberto adds also some thickener, I don't)
- let cure plenty of time, if possible at 30-40C for maximum hardening (at least one day)
- drill a hole smaller in diameter than the tap
- tap with a "UNC 10-24 tap"
Ta-Da, you now have a screw hole better than new!
Come to think of it...
If we ALL have to baby our screws and constantly check that our high priced fins are not loose.... then something is wrong with the system.
Even cheapo dodads have threaded metal inserts to provide a secure tightening..... why don't $2,000 boards, that require aftermarket $120 fins???
Come on surf industry.... surely you can improve this crappy arrangement.
Select to expand quotehilly said..
Futures are a better system
Yep for sure School hols yet hilly
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
If we ALL have to baby our screws and constantly check that our high priced fins are not loose.... then something is wrong with the system.
Personally, I only had problems when I buy boards (new or used), not afterwards, so I do not have to worry about it. It is just part of the regular routine when you buy a board: inspect for transport damage, sand the fins, glue the pad, apply the monster paint, try on the bag... stand on the board on the bed imagining riding it :-)
So it is not such a big problem after all.
Alternatives exist: the Pro Box, or FCS new screwless fin box. I do not like the Future system, as it seems to always have some lateral loosenes, and having2 different box standards (front/rear) is plain insane (plus there are no C-Drives in Future format :-). Too bad as future makes some really great fins. But the Pro Box definitively seems the way of the future.
I've had the same issue a couple of times. Fixed it by filling the hole with epoxy while fin is in the box, then inserting the grub screw. Epoxy sets then take screw out & a new thread is created. All good!
Select to expand quoteGizzieNZ said..
One of my fcs side fin front screws has started "not tightening up"
Chucked some JB weld type stuff into the "female part"
whacked some thread tape around the male bit before inserting and screwing
Doing the job so far but maybe there are other solutions?
Time for new board
ive got a tip: do not try and fix a wobbly fin by tightening the screw! that will strip thread for sure (like mine). instead, run a layer (or two) of duct tape along the 3sides of the fin base then jam the fin into the slot. solid as. and out of sight. then do up the screw nice and gently. my epoxy thread repair attempt is a bit iffy, think i'll try a larger screw next.
I have this problem with one of my fcs grub screws on a new board the shop where I got it from said just put next size grub screw in the board hasn't hit the water yet.
Select to expand quotesup46 said..
ive got a tip: do not try and fix a wobbly fin by tightening the screw! that will strip thread for sure (like mine). instead, run a layer (or two) of duct tape along the 3sides of the fin base then jam the fin into the slot. solid as. and out of sight. then do up the screw nice and gently. my epoxy thread repair attempt is a bit iffy, think i'll try a larger screw next.
Even better add glass and 1sec glue at the fins "feet".
This is thin enough to laminate with and is stiffer (less play) and neater.
Just needs some sanding.
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
Come to think of it...
If we ALL have to baby our screws and constantly check that our high priced fins are not loose.... then something is wrong with the system.
Even cheapo dodads have threaded metal inserts to provide a secure tightening..... why don't $2,000 boards, that require aftermarket $120 fins???
Come on surf industry.... surely you can improve this crappy arrangement.
Plus 1
Select to expand quotechrispy said..
dont over tighten them. hard thing to do when you have lost so many fins
yes ....thought it might be damage associated with a fin snap
Select to expand quotetowball said..GizzieNZ said..
One of my fcs side fin front screws has started "not tightening up"
Chucked some JB weld type stuff into the "female part"
whacked some thread tape around the male bit before inserting and screwing
Doing the job so far but maybe there are other solutions?
Time for new board
but I like this one......on the other hand I remember when you sold your Hokua 9'5 or whatever it was and bought a new one lol
