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  • Sealing screw holes what sealant to use.

    I am in the process of gathering supplies to remove and replace stripped screws on awning arms. I want to seal the existing screw holes with an adhesive sealant before inserting next size up screws. There are numerous products out there and one that is recommended is Lexel. But after reading about compatibility it would not work for this application as it would dissolve certain foams like polystyrene. Our units are fiberglass gel coat sandwiched between rigid foam and luan. I have no idea what the rigid foam type is. But will not be using this product for filling into the holes.


    Click image for larger version

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    The next product I am considering is a marine 3M 4000 UV which should work but will make it difficult to remove the screws but not impossible.

    Click image for larger version

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    I don’t just want to use the standard sealant I use which is the Trempro 645 for this application. I do use this for coating screw threads along trim. The awning I don’t want to keep messing with and screws removed from top of arm show a lot of rust so need to make sure water does not get in.

    Any other suggestions?
    Vivian
    2018 Reflection 303rls
    Ford F-350 diesel long bed 4 x 4 SRW
    Demco Recon

  • #2
    Whatever you use it will seal much better than the non existent sealer used at assembly. In the past I have used regular silicone with success.
    2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by Beachcamper View Post
      I am in the process of gathering supplies to remove and replace stripped screws on awning arms. I want to seal the existing screw holes with an adhesive sealant before inserting next size up screws. There are numerous products out there and one that is recommended is Lexel. But after reading about compatibility it would not work for this application as it would dissolve certain foams like polystyrene. Our units are fiberglass gel coat sandwiched between rigid foam and luan. I have no idea what the rigid foam type is. But will not be using this product for filling into the holes.


      Click image for larger version

Name:	722967E2-E8A2-469C-BD3A-058311F54542.jpg
Views:	1108
Size:	118.1 KB
ID:	100724

      The next product I am considering is a marine 3M 4000 UV which should work but will make it difficult to remove the screws but not impossible.

      Click image for larger version

Name:	39AF40E4-DE52-433F-90AC-DF3599593F74.jpg
Views:	977
Size:	123.0 KB
ID:	100725

      I don’t just want to use the standard sealant I use which is the Trempro 645 for this application. I do use this for coating screw threads along trim. The awning I don’t want to keep messing with and screws removed from top of arm show a lot of rust so need to make sure water does not get in.

      Any other suggestions?
      I like epoxies from West Systems. They are foam safe and do not smell where they have thickeners and injectors to push the epoxy into a stripped out hole.

      https://www.westsystem.com/

      Jim

      Comment


      • #4
        I like using the 3M 5200 marine sealant/adhesive.
        Ted
        2021 Reflection 310RLS
        2020 F350 PS,CC,LB,SRW

        Comment


        • #5
          Epoxy? I also use a west systems epoxy on boats. You would fill the hole and then introduce the screw while epoxy has not set? That makes it kind of permanent similar to using the 3M 5200 or even marinetex.
          Vivian
          2018 Reflection 303rls
          Ford F-350 diesel long bed 4 x 4 SRW
          Demco Recon

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Beachcamper View Post
            I am in the process of gathering supplies to remove and replace stripped screws on awning arms. I want to seal the existing screw holes with an adhesive sealant before inserting next size up screws. There are numerous products out there and one that is recommended is Lexel. But after reading about compatibility it would not work for this application as it would dissolve certain foams like polystyrene. Our units are fiberglass gel coat sandwiched between rigid foam and luan. I have no idea what the rigid foam type is. But will not be using this product for filling into the holes.


            Click image for larger version

Name:	722967E2-E8A2-469C-BD3A-058311F54542.jpg
Views:	1108
Size:	118.1 KB
ID:	100724

            The next product I am considering is a marine 3M 4000 UV which should work but will make it difficult to remove the screws but not impossible.

            Click image for larger version

Name:	39AF40E4-DE52-433F-90AC-DF3599593F74.jpg
Views:	977
Size:	123.0 KB
ID:	100725

            I don’t just want to use the standard sealant I use which is the Trempro 645 for this application. I do use this for coating screw threads along trim. The awning I don’t want to keep messing with and screws removed from top of arm show a lot of rust so need to make sure water does not get in.

            Any other suggestions?
            This is what I have used when I installed my slide toppers. Works great.

            Rob
            Rob & Barb
            2022 RAM 3500 Big Horn, 6.7 Cummins HO/Aisin
            2022 Solitude 378MBS

            Comment


            • #7
              I have used regular silicone as mentioned above, has worked just fine with no issues. I try to keep things simple and easily found at local hardware stores.

              Brian
              Brian & Michelle
              2018 Reflection 29RS
              2022 Chevy 3500HD

              Comment


              • #8
                Beachcamper -- I also used regular silicone sealant. In fact, every single screw that's removed from the exterior gets it's threads covered with a liberal amount of silicone before reinstallation.
                Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

                2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

                Comment


                • #9
                  Beachcamper I do the same as Howard b actually I just replaced all my clearance lights and used over the counter exterior silicon on all the screws.
                  Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

                  Neil Citro
                  2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
                  2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Well I guess I will keep using my Tempro 645 sealant for this application as well. I trust your opinions and thank you for taking the time to respond. I wish GD would have applied sealant in those awning screws. It is dry of any sealant and water has come into that area because screws are rusted. So check these when doing your regular inspections.
                    Vivian
                    2018 Reflection 303rls
                    Ford F-350 diesel long bed 4 x 4 SRW
                    Demco Recon

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      My last 3 trailers have all had corrosion on most of the exterior screws. The Imagine had several marker lights that leaked as well as both the side markers on the front of our Reflection. Plenty of wet Luan behind them One of the first things I do when I get a new trailer is start removing screws and reinstalling them with sealant.
                      2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Beachcamper View Post
                        Epoxy? I also use a west systems epoxy on boats. You would fill the hole and then introduce the screw while epoxy has not set? That makes it kind of permanent similar to using the 3M 5200 or even marinetex.
                        Vivian,

                        No it must cure then a pilot hole drilled. Then the screw can be inserted. There are many methods in repairing from using an oversize screw to using epoxy to install a wooden dowel to just filling the hole and starting over. I'm not fond of plus nuts as they leave a gap from the wall to the component which can introduce leaks.

                        If the screw still bites and is just leaking, nothing is better than 100% GE silicone IMO.

                        Jim

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Epoxy without an additive is very brittle and will not hold screw threads very well, even with a pilot hole. If using West Epoxy products, add their 404 filler.

                          I have drilled and tapped coarse machine threads (like 1/4-20) directly into 404 reinforced epoxy, with good results.

                          Rob
                          Cate & Rob
                          (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                          2015 Reflection 303RLS
                          2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                          Bayham, Ontario, Canada

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Cate&Rob View Post
                            Epoxy without an additive is very brittle and will not hold screw threads very well, even with a pilot hole. If using West Epoxy products, add their 404 filler.

                            I have drilled and tapped coarse machine threads (like 1/4-20) directly into 404 reinforced epoxy, with good results.

                            Rob
                            Rob,

                            Good point on the 404. The 404 would be helpful.
                            404 (a filler material for those interested) can be used for holes or for bedding items. The 404 mixed with epoxy to the consistency of peanut butter and with a syringe applicator, can be used to fil a hole from the back to the front with no bubbles.

                            Jim

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Beachcamper View Post
                              The next product I am considering is a marine 3M 4000 UV which should work but will make it difficult to remove the screws but not impossible.
                              I'm not sure how much experience you have had with the 4000 but removing screws is not difficult. I've used it extensively on my boat and on the rear camera mount as well as the forward transmitter on my back up camera on the MLE. I just replaced the transmitter and the screws were not hard to remove. It's good stuff and last a long time. Cleans very easily with Simple Green and does not yellow.

                              Good luck.

                              Robert and Chris
                              2021 XLS 22MLE (somewhat factory stock)
                              2018 Silverado 1500 Z71 Crew Cab

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