Fastening Boards Down

mkuchta
Reg. Nov 2008

Posted 2008-12-07 5:02 PM (#95877)
Subject: Fastening Boards Down

Member

Posts: 6

Location: Brockport, NY.

I am replacing my trailer floor boards and I have a question. The boards were fastened to the metal cross pieces with what looks like sheet metal screws. They stick out the bottom of the metal and do not have any nuts holding them in. A few years ago I replaced one board and fastened it down with a carriage bolt, washer and nut in 3 places. When I checked on this board the nuts had loosened on 2 out of 3 locations- even though I had lock washers on them. So- I'm wondering if I should avoid the carriage bolts and nuts and go with the sheet metal screws. I'm concerned that I may have trouble getting the screws through the metal. Which would be easier and work best? Thanks!
Maureen

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Marla
Reg. Mar 2008

Posted 2008-12-07 5:35 PM (#95878 - in reply to #95877)
Subject: RE: Fastening Boards Down

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 522
500

Location: Tucumcari NM

Use carriage bolts and lock washers, but smear locktite or jb weld on the threads before putting on the nut.

Marla

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chadsalt
Reg. Nov 2004

Posted 2008-12-07 5:38 PM (#95879 - in reply to #95877)
Subject: RE: Fastening Boards Down

Expert

Posts: 1416
1000

Location: sc

These are probably what you want,

http://abctrailerparts.com/Floor-Screws.html

A lock washer will be of little help. As the wood dries and shrinks, the lock washer looses contact and the nut will loosen. A nylon lock nut would help, but the above deck screws are my choice. They came on all my trailers, and are used in the big rig trailers I drive.

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retento
Reg. Aug 2004

Posted 2008-12-07 5:46 PM (#95881 - in reply to #95877)
Subject: RE: Fastening Boards Down

Expert

Posts: 3802
2000

Location: Rocky Mount N.C.

http://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/floor_screws.htm

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