best product for filling holes in aluminum

[bill11]

now that i have all the old steel screws out of my aluminum boat i want to fill these with the best product. i have read that jb weld = marine tex- and duro fix rods are the best options. there is not alot of surface area for anything to adhere to. ( 3/16 holes in aluminum sheet metal) i would be interested in hearing what others swear by so whatever i end up using i dont regret. thanks --bill

 

[lakelover]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

Hi bill-

I had a lot of screw holes to fill in mine. I cut small patches from thin aluminum (old press plates, actually) and stuck them onto the back with JB Weld. That pushes a little through the hole to seal it and provides some backing. Afterwards I sanded them flat, but I have to say that the JB hardens like a rock and sanding it down takes a long time, so after pushing the JB thru, take off the excess with a putty knife.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

Use aluminum pop rivets then coat them with gluvit or jb weld. I patched probably 30 random holes like that on my starcraft hull.

 

[lakelover]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

Make sure to get solid head. Can also coat them with 3M 4200 or 5200.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

Lakeover and I are basically on the same road Lakeover's method will look better and mine is just "filling the holes" regardless of which you choose........ fill them and go boating!!! It is the season!!

 

[bill11]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

thanks guys-------- lakelover- did you leave those press plates on the back of the holes or remove them. ( wouldn't they be unsightly having them all over the place? I have about 28 holes to fill. The rivet idea would be good if i only had a few holes but i have many and dont want anything showing. I want to have a flat original surface when done.

 

[djpeters]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

I have been having all my extra holes tig welded, except for the gunwall tops which I replaced. There is a welding shop a couple miles away. I usually bring him a piece or two at a time and he usually just says "give me 20 bucks". Sometime he even grinds them back down flat.

 

[lakelover]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

thanks guys-------- lakelover- did you leave those press plates on the back of the holes or remove them. ( wouldn't they be unsightly having them all over the place? I have about 28 holes to fill. The rivet idea would be good if i only had a few holes but i have many and dont want anything showing. I want to have a flat original surface when done.

You've got a point there. I only used that method on the gunwales and front deck where the backside is not visible. I removed my side rubrails and brackets, and filled those holes with solid head pop rivets dipped in 5200. Without counting, I'd say there are 6 to 8 on each side. I painted over the pop rivets and on a riveted boat, you hardly notice them. Don't know how you would achieve your goal of nothing showing, maybe somebody else has an idea.

Edit: just saw djpeters' TIG welding method. If you've got the shop and $$$, go for that.

 

[bill11]

Re: best product for filling holes in aluminum

i think i'll experiment on some scrap metal with the jb weld. I wouldn't mind a few rivets showing but i have way to many holes. thanks