aluminum

[JBA]

Hello all,

I have modified my reefing system and have screw holes where the cheek blocks used to be. Is there any product available that provides cosmetic filling for these holes?

Thanks,

JBA

[mgphl52]

I've been planning to try J-B Weld... just haven't gotten around to it...
(The stuff worked darn good for patching the original SS muffler... at least until I replaced the whole mess!)

[Ray Garcia]

I decided to cover some mast holes and boom holes with 3M reflective stickers. On the boom, I cut a 3" band that goes around the holes and goes over to the other side. At night when we sail I figure it may help other boats see us. On the mast I cut out a 2" circle as well to cover a hole near the top of the mast. Shine a light on it at night, we can't miss it.

[Oswego John]

I've been successfully using Devcon Plastic Aluminum putty for almost 50 years now. It comes in a handy, reusable, squeeze tube.
It can be filed, sanded, or polished smooth. Blends right in with the boom or mast. It has the consistency of toothpaste when first applied.

Same people who make Plastic Steel, Plastic Copper, Plastic Galvaniizing. Sold at most hardware and home supply stores.

O J

[John Vigor]

Hello all,

I have modified my reefing system and have screw holes where the cheek blocks used to be. Is there any product available that provides cosmetic filling for these holes?

Thanks,

JBA

I've always filled those holes with stainless-steel pan-head screws. It always looks as if they were meant to be there in the first place, but there are two other advantages: you have a ready supply of pan-head screws when you need them, and the holes are always available for further re-use or ventilation.

Cheers,

John V.

[John R.]

Generally speaking you will find aluminum drive rivets your best solution. They will provide a smooth rounded head that that blends well with the mast extrusion and you will not be using any dissimilar metals that will induce corrosion. Aluminum drive rivets are available in a host of sizes. Best to seat them in a polysulfide sealant. Clean up excess with mineral spirits. You will wind up with an aesthetic, sound repair that will last as long as the mast.

[Steve Laume]

John R, I thought I knew my fasteners but I am not familiar with "drive rivets". Is this another name for pop rivets or a completely different animal?

John V, your screws sound like the directive I got when I was much younger and worked as a draftsman for a large defense contractor. I was sometimes told to "look busy". So even if your screws aren't doing anything at least they look like they are.

Thanks, Steve.

[John R.]

No, not a pop rivet at all. Drive rivets are flanged like a pop rivet except instead of there being a expansion pin that gets pulled through the rivet by the gun a drive rivet has a small stud pressed into it from the top. The rivet is inserted into the hole and then the stud is tapped down flush with the rivet crown. That expands the rivet shank and locks it in place. The rivet is solid aluminum when fully installed so it covers and fills the void from the hole all at once.