Anyone try installing rails on a thinner construction deck like a 5-ply Santa Cruz VX? I originally had planned on using some of the new Santa Cruz HSR rails on mine, but noticed that the included screws would protrude through the top of the deck. I believe these and their regular Slim Line rails are only intended for decks 7-ply or thicker. However, after purchasing some Blue Haven rails for a Dogtown setup, I noticed that their screws do not protrude as much. I will likely order another pair to use on my VX and save the HSR rails for another setup.
Out of the rails I currently have: I would say the NHS brand rails (HSR/Slimline/Juice Bars) are all pretty similar in terms of the plastic used. But one thing I noticed is that the holes are wider on the HSR/Slim Line than on the Juice Bars. This may give the Juice Bars a tighter fit. All appear to use the same pan-head type wood screws, which have pretty coarse threads. But the Slim Line/HSR have a pocket underneath the holes to accommodate wood shavings, while the Juice Bars do not. This is just on the rails I have. Not sure if they have changed production on anything.
The Dogtown Blue Haven rails are thinner, have tighter holes like the Juice Bars, and come with shorter countersunk screws with finer threads. They appear to use better material than NHS, possibly HDPE. My only concern is the smaller screws might pull out more easily. I've considered using sex bolts, but this involves drilling larger holes, and I would probably only use them if included. For example, if I were to install skid plates.
Whichever rails I decide to use on their respective decks, my plan is to drill very small pilot holes to reduce wood shaving displacement and ease installation, double-sided tape to reduce rattle, and possibly a dab of wood glue in the holes to help lock in the screws. Once I get it all done and do some skating, I'll report back with my results.
Other rails I have been looking at are: Riff Raff, Rad Railz, Lil Jawns.
Topic: The Rails Thread (Read 15081 times)