Rivet wrap up and specs here

Posted By: Tedd
Date: 7/11/08 11:03a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Mast Pop Rivet size? (Tedd)

Bob V asked what rivet I ended up using, so for the record, here's what I did: I called RigRite and asked them to send me the appropriate pop rivets to reattach the spreader bracket to the mast. I didn't specify a dimension and assumed they'd send the correct rivet, which they did. The sent me drive rivets instead of pop rivets, which turned out to be better since drive rivets are much easier to install and don't require a rivet tool. I've included a picture of a drive rivet in case some don't know what they look like. The rivet size is 3/16" dia with a reach of 3/8" (or very close to that). To remove the existing loose rivet, I used a 1/4" cobalt drill bit to drill off the head of the existing rivet. You want to be very careful to not drill any more than is necessary to remove the rivet head. If you drill into the mast, you'll end up with a hole that is too big for the new rivet. I then drove the body of the existing rivet into the mast with a punch and let it fall through. The new drive rivet was very easy to install. I just put it through the bracket and into the hole in the mast. To cinch the rivet up you just tap the post down flush with the rivet head. And that's all there was to that... Let me know if there are any questions. tedd