Yesterday I performed one of my cosmetic upgrades to my boat. Using the Tips at http://www.landlpardey.com/Tips/Tips_2005_June.html I replaced the turnbuckle lock cotter pins with screws.
My first try was to tap the existing holes with a #6x32 tap. I did this because the pin hole is a little smaller then the #6 tap size. The first one went OK, but on the second, the tap broke off just before it went all of the way through. It took a little work to get the broken tap out, but I had a full recovery from that mishap. Second try was to drill out the existing holes with a 9/64" drill, which is the smallest bit to clear #6 hardware. This went well, using my cordless drill, I was able to quickly enlarge all of the turnbuckle lock pin holes. Then installed 1/2" #6x32 SS screws and SS self locking nuts. I only snugged the torque so that I don't bugger up the turnbuckle threads. Then cut off the 20 year old cracking ugly PVC turnbuckle covers! John C27 TR #5956 Austin, TX
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