I need to replace a barrel nut in one of my fins. What are the recommendations re glue - I assume a super glue should do the trick - and how do I make sure that the nut is correctly aligned with the fin box?

Any other hints and tips much appreciated.

No glue at all.
Is the hole really loose on yours?

To align, if the new nut does not have a screwdriver slot in the side, screw a fin bolt in and use it as a lever to rotate the nut. Get it to 90deg with the fin base using a square, and it will most likely fit........ if it wont quite then just screw the bolt back in and fine adjust back n forth about a millimeter on the bolt head,it won't take much.

As Mark says.
Just to clarify: They are not normally glued in. The hole is drilled for them so they are an interference fit. You press them in and they are tight enough to stay in and will still move enough to line the bolt up.

Over the years I have noted a few different size barrel nuts have been used by different fin manufacturers, so it is a good idea to measure them and know what you are buying. If you need to go to a larger one than the current, you need a drill just the right size hole in the fin to match it.

You can make your own barrel nuts fairly easily by sourcing the right diameter brass rod, and then drilling and tapping a hole through it. File a slight bevel on the ends of the new barrel nut so you can start it into the fin head hole.

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sailquik said..
As Mark says.
Just to clarify: They are not normally glued in. The hole is drilled for them so they are an interference fit. You press them in and they are tight enough to stay in and will still move enough to line the bolt up.

Over the years I have noted a few different size barrel nuts have been used by different fin manufacturers, so it is a good idea to measure them and know what you are buying. If you need to go to a larger one than the current, you need a drill just the right size hole in the fin to match it.

You can make your own barrel nuts fairly easily by sourcing the right diameter brass rod, and then drilling and tapping a hole through it. File a slight bevel on the ends of the new barrel nut so you can start it into the fin head hole.

M6 standard metric ,
And put two blades in your hacksaw and cut a grove parallel with the hole to lign up or adjust with a screwdriver.

Thanks everyone!!

is anybody set up to produce 20 or so at low effort and cost? i have been building fins and could use a batch.

Would not be hard to find at a fixings supplier?
Brass cross dowels / barrel nuts

Select to expand quote

duckjibe said..
is anybody set up to produce 20 or so at low effort and cost? i have been building fins and could use a batch.

SHQ sell them for $5 to $7 ea depending on size.

For alignment of bolt. First mark the old ones screwdriver slot alignment on the fin. Before removal. Then its an easy job to do.