Galvanized Screws

[ShelbyBoats]

Hello everyone, looking for some advice for a source of HDG wood screws for a build I am doing. I know that silicon bronze is the go-to when it comes to fasteners in wooden boats, but I am trying to follow the plans as exactly as I can. Any help would be appreciated, thank you.

[cstevens]

Re: Galvanized Screws

Admiral Ship Supply in Port Townsend carries high quality HDG wood screws and they ship.

http://admiralshipsupply.com/

[J.Madison]

Re: Galvanized Screws

Standard fastenings is reputed to be very high quality if you need a large order. I dont think they do retail quantities.

[Garret]

Re: Galvanized Screws

Opinion Warning!

Having owned an old boat originally put together with galvanized fastenings, I will never, ever put a galvanized screw in a boat. OK - maybe some beat up old rowboat that's going to fall apart in 5 years anyway, but the hours of removing rusted screws & the damage to the wood around them, nope - not on anything I care about.

End of opinion

[johngsandusky]

Re: Galvanized Screws

When I built my Glen-L Topper in '87, I think I bought the galvanized screws from them. That boat lasted decades outside.

[sp_clark]

Re: Galvanized Screws

I know that silicon bronze is the go-to when it comes to fasteners in wooden boats....

Fresh water usage or salty? Not intended to be afloat for days, weeks, just for a few hours?

Depending on how many and of what sizes, is there much of a cost savings with HDG over SB fasteners?

[UCanoe_2]

Re: Galvanized Screws

What are you building, Shelby?

Some older plans do specify galvanized fasteners, but your boat will last longer if you upgrade. You can't avoid chipping the galvanizing when you drive the screws, and that will provide a place for rust to begin. If you are interested in saving money, stainless steel is less expensive than bronze. You could use bronze below the waterline and stainless above.

[hawkeye54]

Re: Galvanized Screws

Anecdotal information - when I was in 7th grade ( late 1950's ) I built a table lamp from oak glued to cherry, the base was attached to the top of the lamp with 4 galvanized flathead wood screws . That lamp followed me around for the past 60 years, never exposed to the weather, and I started to rebuild it last year ( needed a small project ) - I was quite surprised to have the screws just about drop out, and discovered considerable rust on the screws and lots of 'iron sickness' in the oak.



Rick

[pcford]

Re: Galvanized Screws

Yes to the above problems with galvy screws. Add to that the issue that you cannot get galvy in square drive.

[wizbang 13]

Re: Galvanized Screws

One does not KNOW if the galvanizing is any good until 40 years later.
mine seem fine after 39 years

[ShelbyBoats]

Re: Galvanized Screws

I am building a 1950's style rowboat and I am trying to follow the plans as closely as possible. The boat will never live in the water and will always be kept in my barn, its my first attempt at building a boat and for what it is I don't expect it to be show quality. I am not opposed to using SB, I am just can't believe how expensive they are, I just feel there has to be some other option.

[pcford]

Re: Galvanized Screws

I am building a 1950's style rowboat and I am trying to follow the plans as closely as possible. The boat will never live in the water and will always be kept in my barn, its my first attempt at building a boat and for what it is I don't expect it to be show quality. I am not opposed to using SB, I am just can't believe how expensive they are, I just feel there has to be some other option.

For this use I think stainless would be ok. You can get stainless in square drive.

[Garret]

Re: Galvanized Screws

For this use I think stainless would be ok. You can get stainless in square drive.

But period correct out be slotted!

Let's rehash that debate, shall we?

Just kidding - I agree stainless would be the way to go for this.

[wizbang 13]

Re: Galvanized Screws

i recon good galv is better than cheap ss

[John Meachen]

Re: Galvanized Screws

I suppose the same forty year test applies.....