BP/W STA bolt caught on wetsuit

[eelnoraa]

I don't think cutting the bolt solve the problem. Even if the bolt is flat with the wing nut, the wetsuit (or worse drysuit) can still get caught by the wing nut's wing. I believe the issue is with any small area thing that stick out from the backplate. It will bound to happen some day. I know the chance is slim, I was using the same setup for 6 months and it happened just last time. I think for the peace of mind, I will go with pad solution.

 

[Cave Diver]

The Dremel tool cutoff blade does a much neater job,

I've been meaning to get me one of those to try.

 

[Cave Diver]

I don't think cutting the bolt solve the problem. Even if the bolt is flat with the wing nut, the wetsuit (or worse drysuit) can still get caught by the wing nut's wing. I believe the issue is with any small area thing that stick out from the backplate. It will bound to happen some day. I know the chance is slim, I was using the same setup for 6 months and it happened just last time. I think for the peace of mind, I will go with pad solution.

Usually the edge of a wingnut isn't sharp enough to cause the type of damage I'm understanding from your description. You might try assembling the STA and then laying a straight edge across it where the bolt is to see how much it sticks up.

You could also try rubbing some chalk or something on it, then putting it on over your wetsuit and pull it tight. Then you can take it off and see where the mark is and what caused the damage.

 

[SangP]

3 possible solutions from most expensive to cheapest.

1. Get a back pad from oms, oxycheq or whatever fits your plate best. Forget the bolts, quickties work better n won't corrode.

2. Buy the right length of bolt.

3. Get a couple of ss spacers/washers to reduce the length.

SangP