On Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:40:29 -0600, Richard
wrote:

Bruce In Bangkok wrote:



No, I said to google on rivets and the part number. That will lead you
to a several sites that explain the rivet size coding's. But you are
right, anyone who's life is banging rivets in the side of an airplane
will be likely to understand rivet sizing (Size is in 32nds of an
inch).

But you don't need to use cherry rivets you can also use aluminum "pop
rivets". You may need to space them a little closer but they will hold
unless your track is tremendously over stressed.

The SS machine screws suggested will also work. Just coat them with
any of the various sealants - 3M 5200, Sekaflex, maybe even house
silicon sealant. They may be a little stiff to remove but I've been
doing it for years with no corrosion and no problems in removal.

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)

I kinds have an issue with screws in the mast.
Unless the wall thickness is at least 2x the diameter, there just isn't
a lot of thread in the mast.

Properly sized pull rivets would be a better choice for structural
reliability.

Maybe a big pain to install, but more secure...

FWIW...

Richard


The old rule of thumb was that the nut be one bolt diameter thick.
Admittedly that wasn't for aluminum nuts but my mast was put together
more then thirty years ago with stainless bolts and hasn't failed yet
:-)

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)