Brass screws

[Mossy Man]

I have been replacing the cabin side of my 1951 Alan Payne and went to Whitworths today to but some brass screws to reinstall the bronze handrail ends. Surprise, surprise they don’t stock brass screws anymore. The reason given was that they don’t sell enough of them to warrant stocking them. He referred me to Bunnings across the street. That is a small Bunnings I guess but they had a range of only 8 different screws.

What’s happening here?? Recently alcohol stoves went from the shelves. Apparently I bought the last one. Are other sailors finding this elsewhere?

[psk125]

Supply and demand. Brass screws are used on boats that were built in 1951. How many of them are there still around? Since then, stainless has become the new norm.
Have you ever tried to buy alcohol for a stove in Europe? We did. It is not easy, so people are switching to propane. Same thing is happening to CNG.
Do you have kerosene lamps? Better stock up now!
On the other hand, you could probably get a really good price on a radio direction-finder.

[Wotname]

Yep, the new way is here!

Of course you can still get brass screws but you have to hunt out and go to specialist suppliers or go on-line. I sure you can Chinese ones from fleabay etc.

Bronze are a little harder to find but still available.

Try these guys https://shop.classic-boat-supplies.c...od-screws.html

[atoll]

you don't really want to be using brass screws on a boat in a salt environment any way, they corrode quickly.
bronze or 316 / A4 stainless is generally used for marine applications.
available from any engineering nut and bolt supplier or (yacht chandler at a premium)
bunnings,B&Q ,Kmart and the like generally only sell fastners for domestic applications, which are generally plated mild steel and lower grades of stainless

[Wotname]

At least Bunnings (in Oz anyway) have lifted their game with respect to correct labelling. You can get brass plated steel screws, brass screws, 304 SS and 316 SS all correctly labeled. I haven't seen any bronze screws though!