Need Help-Kiteboard repair

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

I released these last fall and don't know why NSI didn't get them on their site. I am sure they would make you a set if you asked. Pretty obvious that you need to be sure of your stance. At least pick up some of my Double Stuff plates. I hear they are better than the LF luxury. Who could imagine that a small niche company would come up with a better product. Wink

more info at the kiteforum: Peel and stick plates
(pat. pending)

The other solutions sound workable. If you have room you could drill a new hole next to the spoiled insert and use a self threading insert. I have an assortment of those if you want some. They have surprisingly good pull out strength depending on the material they're used in.

It would be better if you can drill out the old one. That means you'll need to stop it from spinning first. That might be accomplished by letting some ultra thin cyanoacrylate capillary around the spun insert. You might also be able to stake it in with some small 'keys' made from piano wire. If that works, then you could try to drill out the old fastener and save the insert. Worth a try at least. Of course these strategies depend on how the original insert was constrained. I'd be happy to take a look when I get back to HR. Last resort would be to router out a bigger hole and epoxy in a new insert set in a plastic block.

I am curious why they locked up? -as a learning experience. Did you use stainless screws? Were they the right thread size? Did you use a lube or anti-seize? Could there have been debris like sand in the hole (beach install) or (God forbid) cross threading? It is also possible that mismatched or low grades of stainless can cause this. Stainless on stainless isn't always a good solution. There is a lot of sort-of stainless out there. It is important to specify the grade when specifying hardware.

-Hein

Sorry for the long winded response. I'm killing some time waiting my wife to arrive in San Antonio on a flight from PDX. Off to Corpus, SPI or the cable park tomorrow.