Removing mast exit block

[sroberts Capri 22]

Do the 4 screws securing the mast exit block typically have nuts on the inside of the mast (1985 model), or are they threaded into the mast? In other words, if I remove these screws to service the block set, will I need to pull the mast down to get access from the bottom to place the nuts?

 

[drewlamparello]

Mine were just screwed into tapped holes

 

[jepomer]

The blocks are either screwed in threaded holes OR attached with pop rivets.

 

[HERSH]

My 1988 # 427 had tapped holes. 10-24 I think

Hershey

 

[sroberts Capri 22]

I found they are tapped on my mast too, and the exit blocks are easy to remove. There is not much maintenance to be done on the blocks but at least now they are clean and lubed. With that and a lube of the sail track the main is a bit easier to hoist.

 

[HERSH]

I believe those are not the original blocks.
I think the original blocks were nylon, which eventually broke down in the sunlight.
The replacements were solid aluminum. I replaced mine in January 2014.

Hersh

 

[jepomer]

I changed all of mine to metal sheaves.