After building a number of boards using Futures fin boxes, I just noticed that the boxes use 2 different thread sizes, (one coarse thread, one fine, possibly M5?). I had not previously noticed this as the boxes used to come supplied with screws fitted. It was when I recently ordered boxes where I needed to buy the screws seperately that I noticed they didn’t fit. The boxes have coarse threads but the supplied screws were fine thread. The supplier from where I bought the boxes and screws is telling me this is OK. As an engineer this is against my religion!
Has anyone else noticed this? I wonder if Futures have gone metric, or do they supply 2 alternative threaded boxes?
“Q: How do you fix a stripped screw? A: Step 1: Clean the box in question with
a little fresh water to remove any sand or
grit and make sure the screw hole and work area are clean and dry. Step 2: When dry, use masking tape to
cover the screw hole on the inside cavity of
the box so the resin doesn’t run out the bottom of the hole. Step 3: Prepare the epoxy by following
the instructions on the back of the package.
Fill the screw hole with the Where 3. five minute epoxy. NOTE: Leave a
little void at the top of the screw hole, to allow the drill to be
started easier. Allow the epoxy to dry for
a few hours. Step 4: Use the #21 drill bit to drill
a hole through the epoxy following angle of
the original screw hole. Step 5: **Now use the 10/24 tap to
re-tap **the drilled hole following the angle
of the original screw hole. Step 6: Screw in screw and check for
tightness, then go for a surf!”
gary, I noticed the same thing. I have an older board that has futures boxes, so when I needed a replacement screw for a new board (foamez shorted me one) I tried to use one of the screws on the newer box and it definitely didn’t fit. I took an FCS screw though and it worked just fine–even though the FCS screw is much shorter. they must have changed the thread pattern for newer boxes?
Have you got the screws sorted yet? If you need some screws or need some help identifying them let me know. I am not in the surf trade but do sell screws for a living so should be able to help.
Thanks all for your help. I have got round to measuring the 2 types of screws. The 2 types are M5 (metric 5mm) The other size is an American thread, 10 ANC x 24. It is 0.19" (3/16")outside diameter and 24 TPI (Threads per inch) Both types are about 12 mm or 1/2" long and I guess need to be 316 stainless hex grub screw.
I am guessing that Futures are having the boxes moulded outside of USA and have gone metric, unless there are some ripoff boxes out there? Problem I have is that when I order new boxes I do not know what thread will arrive, and the supplier I get them from cannot grasp the concept of fitting the correct screw in the correct hole.
In UK or Europe, no problem getting the M5 screw, but the American thread is what I need and may be more difficult.
I have put in an enquiry to Futures, will post the outcome.
bside - do you have any 3/16" x 24 x !/2" stainless grub screws?
yea course threads are new (fine threads are old) and they are 10-24. probox uses same screws 10/24. I think you can order fin screws from them. that is really weird that your finbox supplier cant get you the right screws?!
Typically when this sort of thing happens it is because they move production to a new factory, the first few month are all good and then after that short cuts are taken. Not saying definately in this case but we have seen it a lot in the last few years.
I will be back at work on Monday and will have a look if i have any 10-24 in stock i should have something, i will drop you a line on Monday. Personally i would not worry to much about the grade 316 whilst it is better grade 304 should be fine. Most of the fin bolts and nuts (longboard) i have been getting with fins have been 304. If you need any M5 as well just let me know and i will pop a few in the post to you.
