Fiberglass screw anchors

[Jeff753]

My side radiator grill mounting holes (6 total 3 on each side) have wallowed out to just at 1/4”. I cannot access the back of the hole. What kind of anchors do folks use for this? I tried the screw in dry wall anchors. They just spin when you try to take them out.

[Bubba1]

When one of my taillights did that I used some j-clip nuts to screw into. Got them from my local Ace Hardware. Has held up for about 3 years now.



Mike H

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by Jeff753

My side radiator grill mounting holes (6 total 3 on each side) have wallowed out to just at 1/4”. I cannot access the back of the hole. What kind of anchors do folks use for this? I tried the screw in dry wall anchors. They just spin when you try to take them out.

I don't know if I fully understand what your working with (a picture would help). But if I understand you, I have been using "rivet nut inserts" in similar situations. It is like a rivet but has threads inside. You can get a kit (various sizes of inserts and the compression tool) for a couple of dollars.
Once you remove the "threaded part" you stick the insert in the hole (you may need to drill the hole to then next larger size if it wallowed out). Insert the threaded insert and squeeze the tool handle to lock it place. Works in fiberglass or steel.
https://www.amazon.com/rivet-nuts/b?node=16410051

[Jeff753]

Yes I tried to post a pic but it said I was over my quota? So I need to figure out how to delete old pictures. This is exactly what I was looking for. Never heard of them. I do have a river gun (Stanley) would that work with rivet nuts?

[Dynasty_09]

I had the same problem and tried the river nut and they are too hard for the fiberglass, it just splits it apart. I install the jack nuts instead. It's easier and has a greater surface of contact.

https://www.amazon.com/STEEL-THREADE...words=Jack+nut

[RobRoy]

Perhaps something as simple as this ?

1/2 the trim on your car is held together with something like similar this , they come in different sizes.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/30-Pcs-Ca...&wl13=&veh=sem

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by Cayman09

I had the same problem and tried the river nut and they are too hard for the fiberglass, it just splits it apart. I install the jack nuts instead. It's easier and has a greater surface of contact.

https://www.amazon.com/STEEL-THREADE...words=Jack+nut

I have used the rivet inserts on fiberglass. You have to be sure to use the aluminum body rivets as they crush with less force.

A regular rivet gun (for pop rivets) won't work the part of the tool that grabs the rivet insert has to match the internal thread of the insert. The kits that come with a handful of rivet inserts and the tool are only around $40.

[ByeTheWay]

If you have the clearance, you may be able to pop rivet a strip of steel with a proper size tapped hole over the existing hole. That way your "nut" would be above the fiberglass.

Or, can you fill the existing hole with JB Weld, then drill and tap (thread) the hole?

[10Boomer]

Originally Posted by Cayman09

I had the same problem and tried the river nut and they are too hard for the fiberglass, it just splits it apart. I install the jack nuts instead. It's easier and has a greater surface of contact.

https://www.amazon.com/STEEL-THREADE...words=Jack+nut

Mike do they sell these in SS?

[Dynasty_09]

It think I saw it in SS but can't remember where. They are zinc coated, so I think they will last a very long time!

[rarebear.nm]

If it were mine, I'd cleanup the edge of the holes and fill with epoxy, pressing it in to overfill the hole. Then sand the surface smooth and use a slightly larger bolt/screws size. Fiberglass is ok for small screws, but for attaching things you more depth for the screw to bite into than most RV fiberglass panels. If you use hardware. I'd go with stainless steel opposed to regular steel or zinc plated hardware. IMO- plastic anchors are not ideal for holding other than light weight stuff.

Good luck.

[Jeff753]

I think I’m going to try to fill the holes with marine Tex and redrill. Will advise https://www.bakesonline.com/marine-t...yABEgKWdfD_BwE

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by Jeff753

I think I’m going to try to fill the holes with marine Tex and redrill. Will advise https://www.bakesonline.com/marine-t...yABEgKWdfD_BwE

Good call.