Bimini Tension knobs

[Come Monday]

After cussing out my Bimini top knobs for stripping out when I needed to fold them down to get under a bridge, I found an easy fix. These knobs are the cheapest pieces of crap I've ever seen. I have two tops and all 4 have stripped out.

At any rate - I was at Lowes and bought a box of push mower knobs for $4. Only two come in a box so it cost me $8. These are the knobs half way up the handle that let you un-tighten and fold the mower handle in half to transport or store. Ironically enough - they're the same size (1/2") as the Bimini top bolts and are about 10x the quality that Bennington gives you.

Has anyone else had problems with the plastic knob stripping around the nut - or did I get a bad batch?

 

[cwag911]

Why would you even touch those to lower your bimini top? All you have to do is unclip the front struts and the top folds down. I've never touched the knobs in 8 years.

 

[BigKahuna]

My Bimini knobs were all stripped when I got the 4 yr. old boat. I have since replaced them all. But like Carl I haven't touched them except to tighten and adjust one particular strut to make sure the Bimini top is tight before going underway.......

 

[Come Monday]

Why would you even touch those to lower your bimini top? All you have to do is unclip the front struts and the top folds down. I've never touched the knobs in 8 years.

I live in FL and so I have 2 bimini tops.  It makes a big difference when the heat index is over 100 degrees.  I also had a full camping enclosure custom made.  Zipping the bimini tops together require the tension to be slacked or you won't get the zipper to run.  A camper enclosure is the same, especially dealing with 10 panels.  

Whenever the day comes that you go turn the knobs - remember, Lowes sells them...  ;-)