Screws & Bolts

Fastenings are the smallest parts on the boat and the last place to economise. This collection covers marine-grade fastenings throughout: Holt A4 stainless steel machine screws in countersunk and pan head patterns from M3 to M10, clevis pins, cotter (split) pins and split rings for rigging, brass screw eyes, and bronze Gripfast ring nails for traditional wooden boat work.

A4 (316) stainless is the marine standard - noticeably more corrosion-resistant than the A2 hardware-store equivalent, and worth insisting on anywhere exposed to salt. Fit new split pins whenever rigging is disturbed (never reuse them), keep a selection of clevis pins and rings aboard, and put a dab of anti-seize on stainless threads into aluminium spars so next season's jobs stay easy.