any know if there is a better screw to use to hold the foot straps on a starboard. The supplied ones are fine but the heads round off really easy so was wondering if there was a hex or Torx head version around.
Cant believe how tight they are to get in the first time.
I use an impact driver to avoid rounding off. I agree the Starboard screws have the viscosity of warm butter.
A nice 8mm hex head self tapper would be perfect but google is not helping me find one.
The problem I had was the screw just about reached the hole as the foot pad plus strap was so thick, then once you got it started in would bind up, then you couldn't tell if it was tight or just binding in the hole.
after a couple I started putting just the screws in first a couple of times before I tried with the strap on it as well but by that time the heads of some of the bolt were a little less than perfect.
Alibaba sells some TORQ head ones but I'm not sure of how stainless or strong they are
Most of the problem is that hardly anyone owns a big enough screwdriver so they damage the heads.
On most brand's screws u need a #3 or 4 I can't recall which but it is one size bigger than almost all screwdriver sets, its very fat like 8mm or so at the bit. EDIT: Pretty sure its the #4, just measured mine at 8mm.
Get the triangle handle with rubber- lots of torque - and smooth glossy end so you can exert lots of downwards pressure but still turn it.
Then, tiny smear of soap on each screw and lots of downwards pressure. They should go in easily
I'd forget Alibaba I doubt you'd get decent stainless. If you have buggered them just cut the head to use flat blade
Would the m6 screws work?
Soap seems to be the answer after a bit of googling. What ever happened to threaded metal inserts? Never had a problem with them.
They are M6 but not all will have a coarse enough thread. If you need to buy more and are getting them posted, ring a windsurfing shop :)
Select to expand quoteMark _australia said..
Most of the problem is that hardly anyone owns a big enough screwdriver so they damage the heads.
On most brand's screws u need a #3 or 4 I can't recall which but it is one size bigger than almost all screwdriver sets, its very fat like 8mm or so at the bit.
Then, tiny smear of soap on each screw and lots of downwards pressure. They should go in easily
I'd forget Alibaba I doubt you'd get decent stainless. If you have buggered them just cut the head to use flat blade
+1
Yes big screwdriver is the go , with a big fat handle . Had to buy mine separately for $15 , and they sold the same brand in a set of six , ( but not the big size ) for $ 16 . Hmmm conspiracy ??? Works better on fin bolts too.
I go fine with a fat-handled no 3 driver. Can also use a no 3 bit in an impact driver or a normal driver-drill if you turn the torque down and "blip the throttle". Don't drive all the way though. Finish of by hand. It's easy to twist the heads right off and then you are "screwed" (ha ha)
Definitely rub a little soap in the threads too.
Impact drivers and driver-drills are fine for tractors and buildings, but please consider more finesse with your board by only using hand tools. Basically it is all about using the right tool for the job not simply the one that operates the quickest.
I have a few JP Boards screwdrivers, big heads and fat handles, specifically designed for foot straps. They work well, the only problem is they cost $2-3k, but you do get a JP Board with each one. 
I have a few JP Boards screwdrivers, big heads and fat handles, specifically designed for foot straps. They work well, the only problem is they cost $2-3k, but you do get a JP Board with each one.
Select to expand quoteMarkSSC said..
Impact drivers and driver-drills are fine for tractors and buildings, but please consider more finesse with your board by only using hand tools. Basically it is all about using the right tool for the job not simply the one that operates the quickest.
Agreed, it's very easy to over torque stripping the insert, even just a standard electric drill can damage if the drag is set too tight.
I'm pretty sure Starboard supplies screws from China which are mostly recycled metal which doesn't have the same strength as screws made from raw materials.
Here in the U.S. us contractors like to stick with screws and bolts that are made here, not for patriotic reasons, but simply because they are stronger, raw materials used. If the box of screws says made in China or Japan we shy away from them, the heads strip too easy or just break off. The saying goes if they are made from old Chevys or Fords, don't buy them.
Also, if you can't find any soap (hard to imagine) surf wax works just as well. On the job, it can be hard to find soap, but most of us have surf wax in our trucks and vans.
Buy a screwdriver which is specific to the job- from a windsurfing shop. Never an issue then.
You just have to be careful. I have twisted heads of with a plain old screw driver. 
Select to expand quoteShifu said..
You just have to be careful. I have twisted heads of with a plain old screw driver.
I read that with your avatar saying it, it works great................... 
I have always used battery drills with the correct size phillips head bit and adjustable torque. Set loose and no problems. Set too tight and strip out heads anyhow. With care they are great.
I recommend a socket set like this:
www.supercheapauto.com.au/
Also, have a look at the following trick for stripped screws:
^^ would appear not, as it only goes up to #3. That is not big enough in footstrap screws. Maybe for ones that have been in and out a few times but for driving into virgin holes it has to be the right size to avoid damage.
Plus - $15 for a properly sized screwdriver, vs $30 for a whole bunch from Supercrap hmmmm
