Rivets

[DavidGrieves]

I just removed a small track from the mast and need to block up the holes are ordinary rivets suitable or will I have to use MONEL rivets?

Thanks

David

 

[lauradee]

talked at great length with z spars, they advised that ordinary aluminium rivets are ok to use,
however they then sold me monel ones. also noted that the old monel rivets had corrosion around them in the spreaders, so also bought some of that yellow zinc chromate paste and gave the holes and rivets a good smear.
to sum up,
ali ok
monel ok
zinc chromate a must
stu

 

[kgi]

its not a bodgers idea but marine tex (grey) works great and blends in nicely,and is neutral (corrosion wise).......keith

 

[ccscott49]

MOnel is the best, but ally with chromate paste will be ok to block up the holes. They do make a plastic material ones aswell, but would only be good for blocking holes, there is also blank plasitc hole fillers, that once in won't come out without breaking them. Try a car suppies type place or kit car supplies. I've only seen the plastic (?) rivets in the states.

 

[vyv_cox]

The usual problem with aluminium rivets is that the shank is steel and it remains inside when the rivet is expanded. Over a time the aluminium corrodes at the expense of the steel and the rivet falls out. All the ones I used on my boom about 5 years ago have fallen onto the deck. There are closed end aluminium rivets but they also seem to have open ends after being expanded. There are also plastic inserts that are supposed to seal the hole.

 

[Boathook]

A few years back I got from a chandlery some 'blank' rivets to block up holes. They have worked a treat with no signs of corrossion. They must still be available but where .......