PocketShip.net

After completing the first installation of the floorboards I've discovered something about bronze screws. I was having trouble with stripping the heads. I thought it was just because bronze is pretty soft. Then I found out about "Frearson" screw heads. It turns out that marine screws often have these style of heads. The screws that came with the pocketship hardware package are of this type. They look much like Phillips heads, but are subtly different and are meant to be driven with a "Frearson" driver. An online search will show what I'm talking about. Anyway, I wish I'd known about this before I kind wrecked a bunch of the screws while putting in the floorboards with a Phillips driver. This is meant as a warning to others (perhaps everyone but me already knew about this). I'm going to get some Frearson drivers and a bunch of new screws before I install the floorboards the final time. Bronze screws aren't cheap. Darn.

Thanks for reminding about the Frearson drivers. I might have one around somewhere, but if I can't find it I'll have to purchase a new one. Also probably not best to use a motorized drive unless the clutch is set to its lowest setting and you trust it (trial runs in scrap wood a good idea).

Also, I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't know, but for those who might not, be sure you use tapered countersink bits for drilling and countersinking the holes, and be sure the countersink is set to the proper depth. The bronze screws that came with the Skerry were not Frearson or Phillips, just regular slotted heads for a flat-blade screwdriver. I actually broke the heads off some of the screws using a manual screwdriver before I learned about the tapered countersink bits. CLC sells a set and there are plenty of other sources.

Yeah, I used the tapered drill bit, but have never even heard of Frearson before. They look so much like Phillips I just assumed that's what they were. Live and learn, I guess.