Holes in the mast

[okawbow]

When removing or moving hardware on an aluminum mast; is it important to fill or patch the holes? Should I put a pop rivet in the old screw holes? How about larger holes, like a 1/2" bolt hole?

 

[Ross]

Any hole larger than a quarter inch is big enough for wasp family invasions. But there is little that you can do to restore the small amount of lost strength. For small holes a rivit or a dab of epoxy putty will work.

 

[Guest]

Mast

I've used the JB Weld product from most big box lumber stores to do various repairs. It is easy to work with, strong, hard and finishes by hand or power tools. It should work quite well as a mast hole filler, albeit a bit darker than aluminum.

Terry Cox