rebedding deck hardware

[Douglas]

Hi Mike, I too agree with all the replys to your bedding query, above.

I don't think that it has been said yet,,, but after you epoxy the hole, countersink it too,,,, I even countersink the hardware too, if I can,,,,, this allows the calk squeeze out to fill in that annular groove around the fastening bolt, thus creating a nice "o-ring" seal, and that process,has stopped all my fastener leaks, at least soooo far.

Mostly I use 5200 , but have found it has some problems when squished paper thin under a deck fitting like a ss flat plate stancion base.

5200 comes with air bubbles in the mix, and squishing it flat under a fitting, ruptures those bubbles, and leaves little sliver-moon shape cuts in the paper thin bedding, which hold moisture and allows corrosion to begin under the fitting,,,,, 3M said that they were going to try to fix this air bubble problem,,,, don't know if they did , yet !

There are those who like to only finger tighten the fasteners until the calk skims over, then finish tightening the fasteners later, but I haven't had that much "leak stopping" success doing this process.

When possible I create a secondary "o-ring" seal, outside of the bolt hole, by grinding a groove in the gelcoat or on the underside of the fitting , or both.

Happy stickey fingers,,,,, Douglas