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New fixed keel studs, No Sweat

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psechrist
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/19/2009 : 16:34:29

I used this weekend to drill and tap my keel & installed new 3/4" stainless steel studs.
After reading some of the past topics on this, I can personally say it is much over rated as far as the difficulty.
Cast iron is fairly soft compared to steel. I used a product called Rapid Tap (http://www.relton.com/) a cutting fluid which is a miracle fluid when cutting metal. This made it even easier to drill & tap. Just put a little body weight on the drill & down it went. I only weigh about 200 lbs so it does not require tonnage.
I did make my own drills & taps by welding a long piece of drill rod to the drills & taps & welded a nut to the top of the drill rod for the taps. This allowed me to use a ratchet & socket to tap the holes.
I used a starter tap with Rapid Tap & taped until it stared to get hard, then I used the bottom tap with Rapid Tap until it became difficult, then back to the starter tap. I did this until I reached the bottom of the hole.
As for the drilling I also used a smaller drill bit, about 3/8", to drill a pilot hole first, then the 21/32" drill bit to finish the diameter for the 3/4" tap.
I had a to go to Harbour Freight & buy a 1/2" 10amp drill motor for around $35.00. My little 3/8" drill was out matched on this job.
It only took a few hours to do two studs from start to finish. I just wanted to add a little strength & piece of mind to the keel.
The original bolts are a little rusted but will last many more years. I will just coat them so there is no future rusting
I may add a couple more studs next year if I feel the need.
So all in all if you need to replace those keel bolts just do it.
It really isn't that hard.

Good Sailing, Pat Sechrist

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2009 : 19:33:16

Great news, and good job! Thanks!

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 04/20/2009 : 14:24:41

Pat,
From your description it is obvious you have at least a little machinist in your blood. I know I can't weld and would never be able to weld a drill bit and rod straight enough to be a usable tool. However the fact you were able to do it with a HF hand drill and available shop tools is good incentive for us that have been delaying such an undertaken. I was curious, were the original bolts 3/4" or did you upsize for the dependability? One of my biggest fears was breaking off the drill or bit, however I was talking with the owner of the local bolt shop recently and he told me "the bigger the better" to avoid that possibility. You agree? Thanks for posting your method and results.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/20/2009 : 19:54:41

BTW, Catalina Direct has a kit that includes an extra-long drill bit and what appears to be an even longer tap. No doubt Pat's solution was cheaper, but CD's is there for the non-machinists among us.

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psechrist
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2009 : 18:55:38

I am not sure but the original bolts looked to be about 5/8" but they are old, rusty & in a dark place. I went with a 3/4" because I prefer upgrading for piece of mind. I would not worry about breaking a drill bit. If it is in the hole & you just can't retrieve it you can always fiberglass over it & just pop an other hole close to it.
I did try to drill the 21/32" hole without the pilot drill & I saw it was going to be a nightmare so I fabed the 3/8" drill which made everything go a lot better. I didn't break the 3/8" drill so I wouldn't worry.
Yes I am a machinist & have worked far to long in power plants. It's about time I let the wind generate some electricity in me.
I tell you what, I will kick around the idea of making an other set of bits & taps & loaning them for the price of shipping. Then having them shipped back for sharping after every job so the next person has a good set. . Let me know if there is interest.

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2009 : 08:19:52

That is a very generous offer!
I would definitely be interested. Mark me down.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2009 : 12:46:27

Congratulations on a job well done. I think conventional wisdom had been that it took very special equipment including a portable drill press to do this job.

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txbigfoot
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2009 : 05:50:15

I didnt need a drill press on my bolts although you gain a mechanical advantage and accuracy with a fixed drill like a drill press. We ended up using a long pilot bit which made all the difference when we drilled the final hole.
BTW, I have a length of stainless steel threaded rod from the CD kit. Make me an offer and it is yours. I hate to just throw it away.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.