Have you ever seen a screw or bolt like this one?

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paralucent

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Believe it or not this screw/bolt was used to connect a kitchen sink drain to the waste pipe below - that is until the screwhead abruptly sheared off causing a mini flood. The sink was fitted about 10 years ago I think (not that the sink manufacturer can be blamed as waste kits are sold separately).

I have never seen a hollow screw or bolt before, or a modern metal screw/bolt that wasn't made of stainless steel. Was there a run on M12 bolts at the time? It's bizarre.
 

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Is it used to connect the slotted waste or combi waste? If yes, you may need a new kit altogether.
 
paralucent said:
Believe it or not this screw/bolt was used to connect a kitchen sink drain to the waste pipe below - that is until the screwhead abruptly sheared off causing a mini flood. The sink was fitted about 10 years ago I think (not that the sink manufacturer can be blamed as waste kits are sold separately).
Click to expand...

My double sink waste uses the same hollow screw/bolt. The sink plugs, have a post or peg, which has to go down inside that bolt. If you don't use the sink plugs, I don't suppose the hole through the centre matters much. The originals on mine were plain steel and like yours, rusted through. I then replaced the entire parts with stainless steel versions, which have been fine since.
 
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Harry Bloomfield said:
My double sink waste uses the same hollow screw/bolt. The sink plugs, have a post or peg, which has to go down inside that bolt. If you don't use the sink plugs, I don't suppose the hole through the centre matters much. The originals on mine were plain steel and like yours, rusted through. I then replaced the entire parts with stainless steel versions, which have been fine since.
Click to expand...

Do you mean you replaced the whole waste kit, or did you find a compatible hollow bolt somewhere?

The sink is actually in my brother's flat. While he's grateful to me that he can now use the sink, he pointed out that can no longer use the sink plug after I replaced the original bolt with a solid one. So yeah, I can now appreciate why the bolt was hollow! But manufacturing the original bolt out of plain steel is simply inexcusable.
 
I didn't bother, nor expect to be able to find a replacement bolt - I just went to the Plumbcentre and bought two matching new items, they were not expensive.

It does defy belief that any manufacturer would use plain steel anywhere near lots of water.
 
paralucent said:
did you find a compatible hollow bolt somewhere?
Click to expand...
Check sizes - they do seem to be available:

2 Pieces Sink Basket Screw 45mm Stainless Steel Sink Sink Fastening Accessories Sink Bolt Screw for Wash Basin Strainer Plug : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders. Shop 2 Pieces Sink Basket Screw 45mm Stainless Steel Sink Sink Fastening Accessories Sink Bolt Screw for Wash Basin Strainer Plug.
www.amazon.co.uk

....and it does say it's stainless! :)
 
RandomGrinch said:
Check sizes - they do seem to be available:

2 Pieces Sink Basket Screw 45mm Stainless Steel Sink Sink Fastening Accessories Sink Bolt Screw for Wash Basin Strainer Plug : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders. Shop 2 Pieces Sink Basket Screw 45mm Stainless Steel Sink Sink Fastening Accessories Sink Bolt Screw for Wash Basin Strainer Plug.
www.amazon.co.uk

....and it does say it's stainless! :)
Click to expand...
RandomGrinch, you're a genius.

That looks to be exactly the right part. The diameter of 12mm corresponds exactly to the M12 bolt I fitted as a makeshift repair. Thank you!
 
I'm afraid I can't vouch for a product I haven't tried, but it looks as if it should be ok! Cheaper products may be available from other sellers etc. !!! ;)

paralucent said:
Only thing I am not sure about is how to screw in a hollow screw?
Click to expand...
The listing mentions fitting with a coin - I've just tried on my sink and a 50p should fit nicely! :)
 
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