Bimini hardware

[Xavierp]

Hi all
I just realized that my Bimini and dodgers are secured with 2 tiny hex screws that don’t even go in a hole. They simply apply pressure to the tube…
Is this for a safety reason so the top can flay away in strong winds instead of making offering too much resistance to the wind and create some sort of «*parachute «* effect «*?

If not I am curious to know what others have

I am considering drilling holes so the screws have something to secure into
Or maybe some kind of pin that would go through…

[kayakerChuck]

I'm a long time canvas pro here.

The 2 set screws are considered standard practice. Options-

take out the screws and dimple the tubing with a sharp drill bit. The screws will still be removable in the future.

Use a 1/4 or 3/16" drill bit and drill the tubing. Use a good lube (Tefgel or similar) and run the set screws in. Even with the lube, they will likely gall in place. The screws might come out in the future, but will probably need to be drilled out to remove.

Drill the tubing with a 3/16" drill bit and use a 3/16" stainless steel pop rivet. This is the strongest and most permanent. If removal is ever needed, the pop rivets will need to be drilled, which is a learned skill.

[OldManMirage]

Or just drill all the way through the tube and the fitting and put in a bolt and nut. Using a capnut gives it a decent finish. I've done this before. Easily removable if needed.

[markxengineerin]

I was initially sketched out by the way these connections work, but they have survived on my boat through lots of bad weather/rough conditions and very rarely does one come loose. When it does, it's because a set screw backed out (blue loctite is good) not because the joint failed due to its design. I think the friction of stainless on stainless is high, and the connections are "self jamming" as long as there isn't a straight axial pull on the connection. Any angle to the force causes favorable jamming. And eventually corrosion/salt add another layer of locking.