Mast maintrack "gate"

[TiggerToo]

Mast maintrack \"gate\"

The main track on my mast is equipped with a rectagular "gate" that rotates around a screw fixed to the mast. The nut on which the screw is threaded has come loose inside the mast, so that the gate can no longer be fixed. Any suggestions as to how I might be able to 1) remove the screw (I have no purchase on the nut); 2) set up a new threaded nut, fixed to teh insite of the mast.

 

[gunnarsilins]

Re: Mast maintrack \"gate\"

1. Cut the screw wth an hack-saw, let the nut and the rest of the screw fall into the mast and leave it there.
2. Cut a thread for nearest oversize screw straight into the mast wall.

On my Moody the screw for the gate is threaded straight into the mast wall and has been so in 29 years

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Re: Mast maintrack \"gate\"

Or if you really want a nut, then look up rivnut..... unsuprisingly, its a rivet with a built in nut..

 

[MacW]

Re: Mast maintrack \"gate\"

Your local riggers should be able to supply you with special screws ( not self tappers) which cut their own thread into the mast wall. These are apparently often used to bolt quite heavily loaded items to the mast. You will need to get a size a bit bigger than the existing hole having sawn off or completely unscrewed the existing bolt as gunnarsilins suggests, and you may have to drill out the hole in the gate to accomodate.
Pete
Pete

 

[kengill]

Re: Mast maintrack \"gate\"

Z Spars do a simple locking gate with a pivoted stamped stainless steel plate. You could do worse than talk to them.