Countersunk screws for instruments in panel?

[conlimon]

hey all -

the dumb question i've been asking myself recently is why you don't see more panels with instruments mounted with countersunk screws. is there an edge distance issue? i've looked at my gear, and it seems that it shouldn't be a problem. thoughts?

cj

[alcladrv]

On my RV-7A, I countersunk my instrument panel screws and changed them to stainless steel. I really like the look, partly because it was easier to individually paint the screws to match the panel.

[f1rocket]

I have countersunk screws on mine as well. One of the problems is that you have to get the screw hole location exactly correct to begin with. With a pan head screw, you have a litle flexibility to move holes slightly to get everything to fit. When countersinking, if you are off, the screw head will not sit flush. Now multiply that by all the screw holes and you are giving yourself quite a few opportunities to throw your panel away and start over.