A Riveting Problem - Plastimo 406-S Jib Reefing

[Ronald_M]

Has anyone undertaken renovation of this Plastimo Roller-Reefing unit? The PVC liner (bolt-rope track) on mine is badly worn. I've obtained a length of liner and a new Bolt-Rope Feeder moulding. The original feeder was secured with rivets but its replacement comes with four stainless-steel S/T screws. I think I would rather replace the original rivets with something similar.

Any recommendations as to which type/size/shape/material of rivets I should use?

TIA,

Ron.

 

[DaveS]

I've dismantled two Plastimo roller reefers, and would definitely advise against using ss rivets, because they are a complete PITA to drill out at a future date. (Plastimo supplied ss rivets with the kits before going over to screws.) Monel is the usual recommendation, but they're not cheap. I confess to using ordinary aluminium pop rivets when reassembling mine (horror, shock): I look at it every year and have seen no problems to date. My reasoning is that the section joints don't rely on the rivets for strength, their function is just to keep everything in the right place. For anywhere that the rivets have to have strength, monel is probably preferrable.

Can't remember the rivet sizes, however. Sorry.

 

[Ronald_M]

Hi, DaveS - thanks for the suggestion. I'll probably go for ally rivets as well.

Cheers.