What's this thing called?!

[Benjaminpalma]

The whole fitting is made of plastic, and comes in two parts. The lower part has a flat, square base, with a column on it, on top of which sits a ball. The upper part has a cup to receive the ball, which is divided into leaves to open and close easily. The whole thing is about an inch high. They do exist - but I just can't think where I've seen them before. Google image searches have not come up with anything even similar.

I'm going to use these to attach boat interior panels, without having screws poking through, with the panels being easily removed for cleaning behind.

Thanks guys!

[daveparry]

Ball and socket fastener?

[Fishtigua]

Hi Ben,

I think they are called Nylon Ball Studs for cabinets. Have a mooch on Google.

http://www.boltproducts.com/stud-receivers-ball-st...

[J3JCV]

The ones we have used for deckheads are Fastmount, http://www.fastmount.com/

These as well which I forgot about, which is probably closer to what you were thinking http://www.bighead.co.uk/ and are very good.

However the easiest fix can often be http://www.3m.com/product/information/Dual-Lock-Re... its like Velcro but strong enough for marine use.

Edited by J3JCV on Sunday 23 June 08:00

Edited by J3JCV on Sunday 23 June 08:28

[mickrick]

^^^Wot he said ^^^ http://www.fastmount.com/panel_mounting_system/fas...

If you sign up for professional boat builder, you´ll see them advertised in there.

That 3m Velcro stuff is strong as hell, but the problem is, when you need to pull down the ply deck head panels, it´s so strong you can break the panels if you´re not careful.

Edited by mickrick on Sunday 23 June 08:06

[mickrick]

sorry double post...

[Benjaminpalma]

Brilliant - thanks, guys!