Mast down spreader removals

[Bentsailor]

Our 1994 Hunter 29.5 double Spreader rig must come down this winter.
To tarp the boat we must remove the spreaders.
The Hunter owners manual describes squeezing (clamping) the mast at the spreaders innorder to attach or remove them...saying they must be under some load on the spreader attachment machine screws.
A rigger friend of ours was cautioning Hunters required compression to attach the spreaders.
We are considering enlarging both upper and lower spreader clearance holes on the port or starboard side to allow for removal or attachment without the required clamping.
Any thoughts on the process??
Thanks
Jeff

 

[rgranger]

I had to replace the bracket on mine... (see pics) I had a dismasting and broke my spreader bracket. Unfortunately I did not take pics of the process... but

Once the spreader is on the bracket, you can place the open side of the bracket on the mast and then using the spreaders as leavers, pry the bracket open a “smidge” while pressing down and the bracket will slide over the mast. If I am remembering correctly, I had my son gently rap the top of the bracket with a rubber mallet while I pried the bracket open to slip the bracket over the hump of the mast.