Whether it's waves, freeride or jumps - the constant pull on the foot straps can also cause the plugs on wingsurf boards to suffer and tear out at some point. The problem: self-tapping screws sit in a plastic thread, and once torn out, the plug is basically unusable. Frequent re-screwing, screws that are too thin or brute force when fitting can also be reasons for this. The only solution is often to go to a shaper and fit completely new loop plugs.
It is much easier with the repair kit from the manufacturer Hejfly (formerly HiFly), a board brand from the windsurfing sector. With this set, any halfway talented craftsman can repair the messed-up plug. The central "invention" is a special insert made of high-strength polyamide. The part just needs to be anchored properly. We will show you how to do this below:
The repair kit consists of a drill, tap and the insert. You will therefore need a drill or cordless screwdriver and a calliper gauge to measure the depth. First measure how deep the old, worn-out plug is so that you don't accidentally drill too deep. You will also need a slotted screwdriver and some epoxy resin or Uhu Plus endfest 300 from the DIY store.
The broken plug is now simply drilled a little larger, the matching drill bit is included in the set. Make sure to drill at a measured speed and with little pressure until the drill bit hits the bottom lightly. Alternatively, you can also mark the measured depth on the drill bit beforehand.
The thread cutter is then used. This is also part of the repair kit. Use it to cut a large thread into the old plug, into which the repair insert is then inserted.
The special plug supplied has a suitable external thread and therefore fits exactly into your pre-drilled thread. It should be glued in place to ensure that it holds. Our tip: Use "5-minute epoxy" from the DIY store or surf shop. Uhu Plus endfest 300 also works, of course.By no means you shouldSuperglue There is a risk that the glue will set before you have finished screwing in the plug!
Coat the plug with resin or eucalyptus and screw it into the thread with the screwdriver.
Once the plug is firmly screwed in and dried, you can screw the original screws of your footstraps back into it and get back on the water.
Set 1 with drill, special tap and four inserts costs 59 euros; set 2 with only 4 threaded inserts is available for 36 euros. Information and order by e-mail at info@hejfly.com
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