went back to Penson yesterday morning - missed two good top water bites.

then the thunder and lightening ran me off.

- question is about replacing the rear handle on my tarpon.

how the heck am I going to get the nuts back on the screws when I remove the old screws? any experience anybody?
thanks and tight lines to ya'
Mike

I think there is a threaded insert molded into the yak for those two screws. Otherwise there is no way! Unscrew the screw just a few turns and you might be able to see the insert, they are brass I think.

Molded in would make sense. Thanks Josh!

There is a way. No doubt. If the molded nut has failed then use the rigging bullet with a washer backing. No problem. If you need help and care to make a trip to little elm i am certanly willing.

Hey Christian, thanks for the kind offer of help. I'm betting the nuts are molded in like Josh said and there is no indication of failure there, just a tear in the handle fabric. Also, I've seen ads for the rigging bullet but have not understood how it works yet. Look interesting though. Maybe one day I'll come up on a need for one but think this time the nuts must be molded in. Thanks again for the offer. It is a most helpful bunch on this forum for sure.

They do have brass inserts, use blue lock tite on them and they won't back out going down the road on top of the rack and you will not get tears in the fabric. You can burn the fabric to keep it from continuing to fray and it will last longer.

You should have brass inserts and they appear to be intact in your photo.

If you ever happen to rip one of the inserts out, we keep insert replacement kits from Wilderness Systems in stock.

Good tip about the locktite Bert. I try to remember to hand tighten each screw a couple of times a year and most times there is a random one out of a dozen or so that is loose and in need of a twist.
Mike, good to know you have replacement kits; will keep that in mind.
I found the two center handles I replaced due to worn out bungie when I first bought the boat and just cut the bungie off and used one of them; good to go again. Brass inserts looked fine.
Thanks for all the helpful input. Great bunch here!!