These have 4 holes for installition. My question is do use ss sheet metal screws,ss cutter (self tapping machine screws) or alluminum rivets. I have a 77 Hunter 30 and she has a 39 ft alluminum mast. How thick is the mast, would machine screws have space to catch hold? How about chaffing on haliards inside the mast? Jerry
Mast step installition abi alluminum folding
- Thread starter Gilligan2
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The aluminum is about 1/8 inch thick give or take
a little. You want to build a ladder almost fory feet high with the steps fastened with screws driven into that. I wouldn't climb it. You can get rivet-nuts that will put a full screw diameter length of threads into each hole. These also offer a known pull-out stength. You can get an installation kit and as many rivet-nuts as you need for less that 100 dollars from McMaster-Carr.
a little. You want to build a ladder almost fory feet high with the steps fastened with screws driven into that. I wouldn't climb it. You can get rivet-nuts that will put a full screw diameter length of threads into each hole. These also offer a known pull-out stength. You can get an installation kit and as many rivet-nuts as you need for less that 100 dollars from McMaster-Carr.
Mast Steps
I would guess and it is a guess that you would use tapping machine screws. They would be small enough and do not have a point so you don't chaff the halyards. I had a friend who install the angle mast steps all the way up his mast. I think he used alluminum rivets. I would as the riggers at your yard. I don't see the need to install them and I think you are safer in a bonsum chair. I could see the need for a folding step or two to reach up above the boom to cover the sail. Wif
I would guess and it is a guess that you would use tapping machine screws. They would be small enough and do not have a point so you don't chaff the halyards. I had a friend who install the angle mast steps all the way up his mast. I think he used alluminum rivets. I would as the riggers at your yard. I don't see the need to install them and I think you are safer in a bonsum chair. I could see the need for a folding step or two to reach up above the boom to cover the sail. Wif
Stainless rivets are available. In a thin
material like a mast, the rivets are stronger than a screw, because they are a through fastening with the bulge of the rivet inside the mast. Screw rivets may be even stronger.
material like a mast, the rivets are stronger than a screw, because they are a through fastening with the bulge of the rivet inside the mast. Screw rivets may be even stronger.
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