What is the issue?
Screws, like almost every fastening, have a tendency to seize up on a seagoing vessel. They can also be very hard going to put in.Why address this?
A seized screw can cause major delay and on occasion damage if it has to be dug out. Putting the screws in in the first place can also be exhaustive work and usually requires a power tool for expediency. Power tools are always challenging on a vessel and they are far from ideal with a tendency to strip out the screw head or whine and drain down their power when the going gets too demanding.Sail with the Instincts of a Local Pro
Navigation apps only get you from A to B, leaving you guessing about the "where," the "why," and the "how." eOceanic isn't another "nav app." It's the Intelligence Uplift that enhances the tools you already use, powering up both your capabilities and understanding.
Once activated on your device, it doesn't just display data, it brings it to life with real-time situational awareness, giving you a "digital sixth sense" for the coastline.
Go beyond navigation to truly know the coast and everything it offers.
- Sail Stress-Free: Make boat handling easier with a helpful assistant and avoid "hidden" hazards with an extra set of eyes on watch for dangers along the coast.
- Discover More: Most sailors only experience a small fraction of a coastline's rewards. We unlock the "hidden gems" and local resources that create unforgettable experiences for you, your family, and your friends.
- Engage Ashore: We don't stop at the waterline; we bring you in to fully experience the best of the world waiting for you ashore.
The power of knowing. Autonomy, agency, agility and the joy of roaming free.
How to address this?
A very useful tool to have aboard is a traditional carpenters wood brace and bit which makes short work of screws.Many tasks that were traditionally completed with hand tools, have been overtaken by the powered drill. In particular, the egg beater type hand drill and carpenter's brace are much less used today. However, hand tools such as these can still play an important part aboard a vessel. Never more so than the wood carpenters brace which is ideal for dealing with heavy or seized screws.
Carpenters Brace with Reversible RatchetPhoto: Courtesy of Faithfull
The brace adds extra leverage and screw slot pressure that will sink or remove a screw from anything. It is old technology but good physics and, being powered by you, the energy is always on tap.
A carpenter's brace is also an extremely inexpensive purchase and well worth it for dealing with screws as well as good old fashion drilling aboard. The motion of drilling is highly relaxed as you churn through the wood at a consistent pace. When purchasing look out for one with a chuck that accepts modern bits, and a ratchet version if possible which is handy for working in the tight confines of a yacht.
When using it make certain that you are using a screwdriver bit with a head that fits snugly into the screw head. Then be careful not to turn off the screws heads with the additional power it provides. If you happen to have an old fashion chuck version, a washer that is filed flat on one edge can be rigged to address flat head screws.
If however, you have a seized screw or a bronze or brass one that you are concerned you might shear off, you may be better off releasing it with the help of some heat.
With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession.Testing The Cheapest Drill On Amazon
A photograph is worth a thousand words. We are always looking for bright sunny photographs that illustrate this experience. If you have some images that we could use please upload them here. All we need to know is how you would like to be credited for your work and a brief description of the image if it is not readily apparent. If you would like us to add a hyperlink from the image that goes back to your site please include the desired link and we will be delighted to that for you.
Add your review or comment:
Please log in to leave a review of this tip.
eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, you must read our legal page. However, we ask you to help us increase accuracy. If you spot an inaccuracy or an omission on this page please contact us and we will be delighted to rectify it. Don't forget to help us by sharing your own experience.