mounting cleats on mast

[Dusty]

Any advice on mounting cleats on mast ? Should I drill pilot holes first then use self-taping screws or is the aluminum mast too strong to accept self-taping screws ?

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

either self tapping screws or a tap set.
try to use fine threads as there's not alot of thickness to work with.
i found it to be fairly soft aluminum.

Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI

[Lease]

Different approach, but I've always used monnel pop rivets for fitting running rigging fittings to spars.

....and, er bolts for bigger things.

[aya16]

these work really well and they end up flush when installed


http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... 371/355/13

[Frank C]

Mike -
do you need a gun w/ 22 cal powder-charge to install those rivets?

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

these work really well and they end up flush when installed
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... 371/355/13

i'm trying to visualize how these things work.
what am i looking at here?

[aya16]

No no you use a bolt, They work like the cheap pix hanger things at the house but way stronger


YoU drill a hole as large as the end (its flexable) insert the metal end in the hole pull the plastic leeds, cut off and its flush. A little plastic stop that is thin will be on the outside the metal threaded part will be inside.

They are cool and work well. Perfect for mounting a winch on the mast.
Ohh I gave away my secret new project. O well the winch to be mounted on the mast will pull my dingy up on deck useing the unused Jib line.

[kmclemore]

I suppose I'd drill and tap the mast - that usually gives plenty of bite to hold a cleat. However, if I were really concerned, I'd use a RivNut - see similar related dicsussion here, and in particular my comments here.

[Chip Hindes]

Rather than mount a winch on the mast where most of the time it will just be in the way, why don't you just just run your jib halyard aft in the conventional fashion and use the existing jibsheet winch?