It's getting rough out here on Lake Michigan, so I just bought a Bob for my H16, the rotating kind with the pole. This rivets into the mast, but unfortunately I am clueless about riveting, and I haven't found any good links on what tools I need. I suspect I probably need a riveting gun, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. Can anyone point me in the right direction?



Thanks!

I've only done pop-rivet work on a few occasions and the tools used were; measuring tape, marker, power-drill, pop-riveter.



The key thing we learned is to line up the fitting on the mast and clearly mark the holes. And after you do that CHECK AND RE-CHECK that you have the fittings placed where you want them. After doing that you simply pre-drill the holes. The trick here to ensure that drill bit you use is a hair SMALLER than the pop-rivet you plan to use. This will add friction to the rivet thus making it more secure.



It may also be beneficial to you to have someone with you when you do this. This sounds silly but just having someone there will help alleviate your apprehension.



I hope this helps !!

I have probably put in 10 million pop rivets, and there is nothing to it. If you use 3/16 rivets, use a 3/16 drill bit. Your comp-tip is about 1/4" thick, so you need to purchase stainless steel rivets with a .375 grip range. If you do not have a comp-tip, use rivets with a .250 grip range. You can purchase a rivet gun at any hardware store, and probably even at Wal-Mart. A rivet gun will run in the $20 to $30 price range. Not all hardware stores carry stainless rivets, but most stores can order them.



Just line the rod up on your mast with the mounting fixtures in place over it, and drill one hole at a time. After you drill the first hole, go ahead and insert the rivet and pop it. then drill the other hole through the mounting fixture...can't miss that way.



David

Thanks both for the info. Does anyone know if the rivet caps they included with my bob actually work to seal the mast, or should I put a little silicone caulk around the hole right before putting the rivet in?

I would think that the rivets should provide a seal. But, just for your peace of mind, it may not hurt to apply a thin layer of silicone (or similar product) around the edges of the hole prior to putting the rivet in place. Keep some rags handy to wipe up any spills.



Robert

When rivetting unlike metals, eg. stainless rivets in an aluminium mast, the joint is prone to corrosion especially in salt water. If you dip the rivet in a product called Duralac just prior to rivetting it will minimise any elecrolysis and make the life of the joint much longer.