Fixing a Loose Shower Head Mount

[rv rick]

Our hand held shower head fits on a mount that is screwed into the fiberglass shower enclosure. I noticed that the mount constantly loosened and after first trying to re-tighten the screws, found that the sheet metal screws used to hold the mount to the fiberglass enclosure had stripped the holes in the thin fiberglass. I added small fillers to the holes and it helped for a few days, but the screws always loosened.

I finally found some rubber and brass compression inserts at Ace Hardware. When a bolt is threaded into the insert and tightened, the brass threads compress the rubber and expand the insert so that it holds tightly.

Stainless steel machine screws replaced the original sheet metal screws and fasten through the shower head holder into the rubber inserts. I was delighted to find that the screws now snugged down perfectly and held the mount firmly to the fiberglass. Plus, the rubber inserts eliminate any possible leaks behind the mount. A nice repair for under $2.00!

Click here to see pictures of the job

[paz]

Nice looking job. I have used plastic inserts that seem to work similarly, but your inserts look a lot more substantial. Fortunately, we have not had a problem with loose screws in the shower, but those inserts could be used just about anywhere. Thanks for the info.

[hippy]

i see your rv is a 2010, awfully sad how they pet some things together. we have a travel trailer and it looks like it will have the same problem, our tub surround is plastic so even weaker. Thanks for the tip.

[DrivinMyHome]

I'm having the same problem. I would have never thought about these rubber inserts. Thanks for the useful writeup.

[Mageksl]

I believe they are called "well nuts". One of the advantages is that when tightened they are waterproof or at least resistant. One application is to mount roof racks on SUVs. In the past I've gotten them at a body shop supply house. Recently I've seen them at Lowes/Home Depot.