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  1. #1
    Member lsufan334's Avatar
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    Best way to hide bolt heads in carpet

    Hey guys. I plan on moving my battery charger to the lid of the bilge area of my boat to free up some space for my power pole pumps. I plan on bolting it. What is the best way to hide the head of the bolts where they dont stick out like a sore thumb in the carpet? Is there any tricks to try to hide them?

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    #2
    use small bolts, 10-24 or the smaller 8-32.
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    #3
    Could always make the charger a remote one.
    Mike

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    #4
    If the carpet is old replace it after install. Or cut an X where the machine screws will go. Pull carpet back and install charger. Then glue carpet back down. Or, if the carpet is not glued real well where the screws are going just use a pliers to pull up on the carpet while you push/screw the screw threw the hole.
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    #5
    If your carpet is grey/black just color the heads with a sharpie after install. They will blend in better than you'd think.
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  6. Member lsufan334's Avatar
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    #6
    hmmm all great ideas guys. I will have to try some of these. Thanks for the help.

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    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by blkfalc4 View Post
    Could always make the charger a remote one.
    This, one of the best things I've done. You save some weight, charger doesn't get any beating and you don't have to look into your rigging compartment to see if your batteries are full.

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    #8
    Go to Ace hardware and buy chrome or stainless flat headed bolts. You can get them with allen heads in the center to serve as a backup when bolting them on.

  9. Member Bassnailer's Avatar
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    #9
    Best way to hide screws is to not use them at all. Pop rivets have a much lower profile which will disappear underneath the carpet. Cutting X's like mentioned above is one way, but for a really professional job, carefully pull the carpet up working it with a puty knife, rivet the charger to the lid, then glue back down with contact adhesive. A little extra work, but very nice results.
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    #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Bassnailer View Post
    Best way to hide screws is to not use them at all. Pop rivets have a much lower profile which will disappear underneath the carpet. Cutting X's like mentioned above is one way, but for a really professional job, carefully pull the carpet up working it with a puty knife, rivet the charger to the lid, then glue back down with contact adhesive. A little extra work, but very nice results.


    Right, 8-32 is smaller than a 1/8 rivet head,
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  11. Member Bassnailer's Avatar
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    #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Scott S. View Post
    Right, 8-32 is smaller than a 1/8 rivet head,
    I mean, if you're gonna call a guy out...



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    #12
    They make a 2 piece cap for bolt/screw heads. Piece 1 secures under head, then cap snaps over.
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    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by blkfalc4 View Post
    Could always make the charger a remote one.
    I'll second this approach.

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    #14
    My lid has a support square tube and I cut slots in to it and hose clamped it down. Tight as can be.
    and no going through top. And leaving carpet alone. Is a big win

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    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Bassnailer View Post
    I mean, if you're gonna call a guy out...



    Not what I was referring to, I wouldn't use a cheap 1/8" pop rivet to hold the weight of a charger, after some shitty roads and rough water those cheap suckers will break lose.
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