DaySailer.org Forum

I recently purchased spreader brackets from Dwyer and am wondering if anyone can suggest the best method of fastenings. I was told that stainless sheet metal screws were adequate with small pilot holes. Is this strong enough?

Eric J Nelson (nelsonjnelson-at-msn.com)

Aluminum pop-rivets are the correct fastener. Available at any hardware store.

jim (jimb-at-dsouth.com)

Eric,

I like using pop rivets for such things. Screws can work loose or strip out over time. If you're worried about strength, use stainless steel rivets instead of aluminum. I've never replace my spreaders, so they are whatever the factory used...probably aluminum. For high-stress things like a boom vang or boom blocks, use stainless steel rivets.

If you don't have a pop-rivet tool, they're about $20 at Home Depot and an assortment pack of rivets will cost you about $10.

Kevin Clark
Dallas, TX
DS 11791

Kevin Clark (clarkr-at-aud.alcatel.com)

Thanks for the suggestion of pop rivets! They are so cool! I have never used them before and I have found them to be so much easier than other methods I have been using. Thanks again. By the way, I found a pop-riveter for ten dollars and I had to buy assorted packs which costed me about $10 as well.

Eric J. Nelson (nelsonjnelson-at-msn.com)