Rivets

[lydiamight]

I need to source some small--around 3mm or 3.2mm, rivets to re-fix the sail cover to the boom. Aluminium to aluminium, should I use monel rivets with Duralac (?) paste and if so where can I find them. All of local chandlers only stock the small size in aluminium rather than monel. All help appreciated

 

[dickh]

Yes - use Monel rivets, not sure about using Durolac paste - it's usually only used between dissimilar metals but it can't do any harm to be on the safe side. Surprised you can't get any Monel rivets from local Chandlers - I've bought mine in local chandlery(Foxes in Ipswich) in those little prepacks by Holt?

 

[tugboat]

If you can't get them from your chandler (he could get them for you if he could be bothered) go to a rigger. He'll sell you the exact number you want and also be a source of advice if you need it.

 

[gandy]

What would be wrong with using aluminium rivets? (assuming they're strong enough for this application in the first place). If is to avoid corrosion, isn't it better for the rivet to corrode than the fitting or the spar. Also, drilling out an aluminium rivet without damage to the spar is easier. Do aluminium rivets just corrode too quick?

Tony S

 

[dickh]

The problem with aluminium rivets is that they usually have STEEL shafts and when they are 'Popped', the bulb bit at the end stays in the rivet and rusts! Monel ones don't do this(or shouldn't). Also Monel rivets will come with a little plastic push in rivet to fill the hole in the monel rivet - looks better. And of course aluminium rivets are much weaker and softer than Monel and with any movement will work loose.

 

[gandy]

[ QUOTE ]
The problem with aluminium rivets is that they usually have STEEL shafts and when they are 'Popped', the bulb bit at the end stays in the rivet and rusts!

[/ QUOTE ]
Right - so the aluminium rivet acts a sacrificial anode to the steel "bulb"? Hadn't thought of that.

Tony S