well nuts vs stainless tapered screws

What's the preference for attaching gear to a kayak?  Well nuts or stainless screws.  Which would be stronger?  Unfortunately bolt through is not an option, so what do you folks suggest?

What's the preference for attaching gear to a kayak?  Well nuts or stainless screws.  Which would be stronger?  Unfortunately bolt through is not an option, so what do you folks suggest?

If by "bolt through" you mean that you can't get a nut on the other side of the plastic for a bolt, then well nuts and rivets designed for this type of thin plastic each have their proponents. There has been some discussion on this board and tons on other boards about well nuts vs rivets. Screws would have little to nothing to bite into and would likely get ripped out with little force.

Jay

I use screws (self tapping sheet metal ones) for a few things and they do fine.   Maybe I'm just too cheap and lazy to buy proper well nuts.

Maybe I'm just too cheap and lazy to buy proper well nuts.

Yes you are.

Rivets rock for places where interior access is limited. Just put a dab of goop down and rivet that sucker in!

Z

and don't forget that sometimes you need to reinforce the underside with a backing plate made from an el cheapo plastic cutting board... saves your deck from buckling, or screws pulling thru... fender washers are nice when you do use screws, but not always the right answer.

OK Z,

Rivets without a rivet gun.  GOOP I got, but no rivet gun.  What works?

Rivets rock for places where interior access is limited. Just put a dab of goop down and rivet that sucker in!

Z

I also use rivets w/ dab of sealant. Got my rivet gun a long time ago & don't remember the cost, but if it was expensive, Id remember.

OK Z,

Rivets without a rivet gun.  GOOP I got, but no rivet gun.  What works?

A pop rivet gun like this should do the trick. They run about $10-$20.
Your friendly neighborhood hardware store should have 'em.

Thanks Z, Thanks PNW,

You've sold me on rivets.  Now for a visit to the hardware store.