Duct Tape or Something Better?

[[70521]]

I am about to remove some redundant fittings from an aluminium mast that are pot riveted on. This will leave some holes in that mast and I'd prefer it not to play a tune in 30 knots of breeze or even 10 knots come to think of it.

Initial thoughts are to make some 'plasters' from silver duct tape, but wonder if the panel has some better solutions?

 

[Thistle]

Use pop rivets to fill the holes?

 

[PaulRainbow]

I'd go with pop rivets Sandy.

 

[KevinV]

Silage tape or dpm tape is miles better than duct tape - super sticky and strong. Duct tape degrades quite quickly and leaves white glue behind.

I'd agree with the riveters above though.

 

[Poignard]

I filled a couple of small diameter holes with silicon sealant.

 

[[199490]]

Let the big boy at it

 

[Martin_J]

Since others have already suggested pop rivets, I'll just add that to finish them off nicely (and to save being left with rusting mandrels), you can push the mandrels through, catch them lower down and then plug the holes with these..

 

[pandos]

If you really want to use tape. This stuff works and lasts years..I patched holes on my deck five years ago and they are still covered and watertight...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KWWZ...Y6BV8CWM8PAH8XM38&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1

 

[Refueler]

Silage tape or dpm tape is miles better than duct tape - super sticky and strong. Duct tape degrades quite quickly and leaves white glue behind.

I'd agree with the riveters above though.

I can confirm that .... I have a line of old Duct Tape glue refusing to budge from my 25ft boat hull side where we hung a tarp during repairs .. the tape came away leaving a mess !

Pop rivets ... plastic metal .... plenty of items that can solve it. I would suggest avoid anything that has a pointed or jaggy end inside the mast if you have internal halyards etc.