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I first started this thread in the wrong discussion area so I am now putting it where it belongs.
I read a post on this forum regarding repairing loose anchor railing bases by drilling out the holes to .5 inch and filling the holes with Marine Tex or thickened West system epoxy. I did this using the thickened West epoxy.
I also did the stripped out holes for the side supports by inserting 3/8" hardwood dowels coated in epoxy into the drilled out holes.
I have a very basic novice question about this which I hope the knowledgeable members will forgive. I am sparing no effort to get this right the first time.
First, the post on the thread says to use 1/4 inch diameter self tapping screws for the bases. So when drilling a pilot hole for these 1/4 inch screws which will be screwed into the the hardened thickened epoxy, What size pilot hole is recommended ? (I am concerned that too small a hole and I won't be able to drive the screw. Too big a hole and the hole may be stripped again)
Second, for the side supports the holes in the supports will only allow a 3/16" screw. So for a 3/16" screw to be screwed into a hardwood dowel what size pilot hole is recommended? (same concern as above)
I would appreciate opinions from anybody who will be kind enough to respond. Thanks.
Henry, you want to drill a pilot hole that is the same size as the screw shank, less the threads. Take your screw and place various bit sizes alongside it -- first above, then below. Try to get the size which is exactly the shank size of the screw, or just a hair bigger. The idea is to have enough relief for the shank so that it is not crushing its way through, but that the threads have a full bite as they tap their way through the material. Your work with the epoxy sounds like the perfect fix. Should work well for you. After you drill the pilot holes, it's a good idea to squirt a bit of 5200 caulk in the holes to guard against water intrusion, and add a bit more mechanical advantage.
