I'm no materials expert, so I have some questions regarding your choice of
metals.
Why a stainless steel nut for a brass bolt? Isn't there no
concern over galvanic action? Or is it to enable
fastening (welding) to the tab? Would epoxy work as a fastener
(weld) instead?
And, why brass (copper+zinc alloy)? In marine use, silicon bronze
(copper+tin+silicon) is preferred because zinc leaches out of brass leaving it
brittle and weak. Bronze is harder to find, and more expensive too, I
think, but maybe a better choice.
Stan
In a message dated 1/22/2009 3:36:58 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
ShellyDalg@aol.com writes:
Brent and I were having a short discussion about rust, and I made a
little sketch of a fastener set-up I'll be using in a particular area that
should help reduce the expected corrosion, and aid in maintenance. So I
thought I'd post it under a new subject line. Anyway, the reason for this
particular set-up is that the fairing mounts are tucked into an area that will
be impossible to reach from both sides, so the stainless nuts are welded onto
the tabs, and the nylon bushing will give me the ability to cut off the head
on the brass bolt if it gets corroded/stuck. Because the brass bolt is soft, I
will be able to drill it out easily without destroying the stainless nuts. The
fairing is made of 3/8 fiberglass, and the nylon bushing will help protect it
from minor bumps, while keeping corrosion of the brass bolt to a
minimum.
I have several different places where I'll be using nylon washers and
bushings. The washers and bushings will be carried as spares for field
maintenance in remote locations.
Here's the sketch.....
I'd be very interested in any comments you guys may have, and would
love to see/hear of any other ideas on how to prevent corrosion on our subs.
Frank D.