The time has come to mount a pad eye on the mast for my new whisker pole (yes, I wish I could mount a track, but let's not go there). I purchased the "curved" Forespar padeye and found a reasonable position on the mast. However, the curve of the padeye is not quite the curve of the mast. I tried in the attached picture to get across the problem. The question is - should I attempt to bend the padeye to be closer to the curve of the mast (the padeye is a serious piece of metal and that would be quite the effort), or should I place wedges into the gap and install as is? or is there another approach? Appreciate your help. Paul
Mounting Pad Eye
- Thread starter PHitchcox
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Paul...
I would place a wedge (poly or something similar) into the space and secure it with heavy screws to ensure that it will hold. Almost any machine shop could fashion pieces for you, should you not have the tools to accomplish it. Also, until you are quite comfortable with the arrangement, I would also tie a short lanyard between the pole and the mast - just in case the inevitable were to happen!
I would place a wedge (poly or something similar) into the space and secure it with heavy screws to ensure that it will hold. Almost any machine shop could fashion pieces for you, should you not have the tools to accomplish it. Also, until you are quite comfortable with the arrangement, I would also tie a short lanyard between the pole and the mast - just in case the inevitable were to happen!
Paul's option is good.
Alternatively, cut out a cardboard template of the mast's profile, and take it along with the pad eye to a machine shop and have them press the pad eye's flange to better conform to the mast. Shouldn't cost more than $10 bucks or so. Auto spring shops have heavy presses with many different dies to form the eyes in leaf springs and to make u-bolts, they should be able to help.
Alternatively, cut out a cardboard template of the mast's profile, and take it along with the pad eye to a machine shop and have them press the pad eye's flange to better conform to the mast. Shouldn't cost more than $10 bucks or so. Auto spring shops have heavy presses with many different dies to form the eyes in leaf springs and to make u-bolts, they should be able to help.
bend it!
Paul, I had the same issue on my 356-I put the paseye in a large vise, and slowly compressed the ends until I had the curve I needed. just be careful to put the pressure on the ends, not near the welds
Paul, I had the same issue on my 356-I put the paseye in a large vise, and slowly compressed the ends until I had the curve I needed. just be careful to put the pressure on the ends, not near the welds
Thanks to all
In the process of bending to fit; appreciate the support and the fact that I'm not the only one to run into this; again, thanks. Paul
In the process of bending to fit; appreciate the support and the fact that I'm not the only one to run into this; again, thanks. Paul
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