Drilling into a spreader

[KREW2]

I need to attatch a fitting to the spreaders so I can run a line for courtesy flags. Is it ok to to pop rivet them, if so I assume it would be better to drill the holes the length of the spreader rather than across, or is there a better way?

 

[lw395]

Should be absolutely fine. I would put the fixing in the outer third of the spreader, least stressed(eg when climbing mast!), and not use an overly massive rivet, just to make sure.
Oh and don't pull so hard on the flags that the spreader bends down!
A couple of 3mm holes won't do any harm imho, unless its a really scary rig! Assume spreaders are ally of course, not carbon?

 

[damo]

I used small self-tappers

 

[Searush]

If you don't want any holes at all, you could lash a small dinghy block to the spreader with whipping twine or even a plastic cable tie.

 

[Poignard]

Another thing to bear in mind. If your fitting is stainless steel, and your spreaders are aluminium, you should insulate them from each other with plastic washers or Duralac.

 

[KREW2]

[ QUOTE ]
you could lash a small dinghy block to the spreader

[/ QUOTE ]
Why didn't I think of that, thanks.