STA – my fingers are hurting

[piikki]

I got myself an Oxycheq light STA for upcoming trip. It came with its own bolts and wingnuts. The bolts are hopelessly short (IMO) and aren’t attached to the STA itself. When I attach the STA to the plate and wing, noway can I even get the washer in the upper hole, it is such a tight call, so I am planning to walk to the hardware store and get longer bolts. I have no idea how long ones would poke to my spine but these are too short.

However, the other problem remains – since the bolts aren’t attached to the STA every time they’d get loose (or during installation) the risk of losing the bolt is somewhat great (zing - they’ve been rolling around a lot). What would be the best way of trying to attach the bolts to the STA? Welding (kind of missing some equipment here)? Any insider info on some household method that would be reliable?

Thanks

 

[terrasmak]

Jb weld will probably work fine , now for the bolts just take the old ones witht he wingnuts to the local hardware store. Pick a couple of Stainless bolts that wouldnt stick out fromt he top of the wingnut (probably 3 to 4 threads showing )

 

[rickyd]

Call Patrick at Oxycheq. He'll make it right.

 

[SeanQ]

When I got my rig it think it came with 5/8th inch carriage bolts. That's what I replaced the one I lost with, anyways.

 

[double80s]

I agree, call Patrick and he'll probably be able to help you out.

I use a Hammerhead STA and the bolts are not mounted to the STA either. I've welded them to the STA and it is working great. You need to make sure to keep them straight when you do the weld. If you have a Halcyon or similar STA the lead keeps the bolts in place. This makes it easy to put your kit together with the STA on the tank.

 

[WaterDawg]

http://www.deepseasupply.com/page13.html


these are sweet.