Installation of Self-Tapping Screws for Friction Sway Control Bar
Updated 05/07/2019 | Published 05/06/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Practically every brand name of Sway Bar Kit has reviews about how the Self Tapping Screws supplied for installation are junk. They say to throw them away and get different ones. Is there a general problem with the supplied screws? Arent the screws that are available the same as those in a hardware store?
asked by: Robert Y
Helpful Expert Reply:
The screws supplied with the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660 and the Replacement Ball-Plate Assembly for Reese Friction Sway-Control System # RP58062 are the same as those you would find in a hardware store. The issue is the trailer frames where these install are generally a more hardened steel than most people are used to when using self-tapping screws where no drilling is required. These are a thicker bolts so we recommend (as do the installation instructions from the manufacturer) marking and drilling a pilot hole for the screws even though they are labeled as self-tapping. They will then grab like a normal self-tapping screw to give you the desired fit.
