Phenolic Plastic hand knobs for securing R-21EC mast upright

[baz]

Subject: Phenolic Plastic hand knobs for securing R-21EC mast upright

I'm unsure if these hand knobs with bronze tapped insert for securing the R-21EC's mast in the upright position are new with 2016 models or not. However, they are an improvement over the metal wing nuts of the past. On my R-25 the wing nuts were employed and they would corrode and be difficult to remove and were hard on the hand to loosen.

The female thread material inside the knob is bronze and Andrew has told me that applying some good quality grease on the threads will keep the knob in good working shape over the years.

These plastic hand knobs are much easier for unscrewing and tightening and being at the Kent factory tomorrow I will be asking parts department for an extra pair of them in the case I lose one or the plastic portion cracks and/or disintegrates over time.

Having one or more of these knobs in my spares kit will mean I should never be in the position of not being able to secure the mast upright in the event one is lost.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Subject: Phenolic Plastic hand knobs for securing R-21EC mast upright

I'm unsure if these hand knobs with bronze tapped insert for securing the R-21EC's mast in the upright position are new with 2016 models or not. However, they are an improvement over the metal wing nuts of the past. On my R-25 the wing nuts were employed and they would corrode and be difficult to remove and were hard on the hand to loosen.

The female thread material inside the knob is bronze and Andrew has told me that applying some good quality grease on the threads will keep the knob in good working shape over the years.

These plastic hand knobs are much easier for unscrewing and tightening and being at the Kent factory tomorrow I will be asking parts department for an extra pair of them in the case I lose one or the plastic portion cracks and/or disintegrates over time.

Having one or more of these knobs in my spares kit will mean I should never be in the position of not being able to secure the mast upright in the event one is lost.

Hello Barry,

Thanks for reminding me...I NEED to order more spare knobs. It never fails, something distracts me whilst lowering the mast and I leave one or both knobs lying about. 😳 I will order 6 this time. One or two spares, for me, is not enough.

More than twice, I left them lying on the pilot house roof and found them later in the little space between the STB/PORT nav light bracket/pilot house roof. That was after trailering the boat 50 miles. Very lucky I'd say. Some days I'm not smart enough to own a tug...

dave

 

[Scuffy]

I found some of the black wing nut type with the 1/4 x 20 bronze threads at a local hardware store. I bought a couple for spares. They were either at True Value or Lowes as I was rooting around the stainless bolt, special fastener section in the area were they have the pull out trays with multiple compartments.

 

[SGIDAVE]

I found some of the black wing nut type with the 1/4 x 20 bronze threads at a local hardware store. I bought a couple for spares. They were either at True Value or Lowes as I was rooting around the stainless bolt, special fastener section in the area were they have the pull out trays with multiple compartments.

Well if it's a ¼" x 20 thread, that should be easy to find. Thanks for the tip. Maybe I can source one locally.

Probably easier since the 21EC parts ordering form has disappeared.

dave

CORRECTION: Andrew Custis has re-issued the parts forms which are now here (viewtopic.php?f=7&t=952&p=6676&hilit=form#p6676)

 

[captnmunro]

JW Winco Stainless Steel 303 Round Clamping Tapped Knob, Knurled, Threaded Through Hole, 1/4"-20 Thread Size x 3/4" Thread Dep
I have been using these stainless steel knobs for my mast. Available from Amazon. I place a 1/4" lockwasher under the knob. Great grip and no corosion.

 

[baz]

FYI... The factory supplied spare Hand Knob cost $3.71 ea.

 

[Scuffy]

I went to True Value and found some knobs like shown above I think they were like $5.80 each they had the 1/4 x 20 brass insert. I went to Lowes and found the ones like come stock from Ranger Tug. They were in a compartmented box in the nut and bolt area called specialty nuts. They look identical. They are called bar knobs they cost $2.82 each. They are made by a company named Hillman called 1/4 x 20 Bar Knobs they come one to a bag. The item number on the bag is Hillmans number 881354 and the other number is also shown on the bag 139701