Rivets

[Marc]

aluminum rivet / aluminum mandrel
countersink head
1/4" diameter
1/4" grip

I'm having a difficult time finding the rivets that hold a block bracket to my mast near the cabin top. I can buy them but I would have to order tens of thousands of them and all I really need is 3. If anyone knows where I can locate any please let me know.

The block leads one of the jib halyards back to the cockpit. It is one of seven blocks that lead lines aft from the mast. The rivets broke under increasing load applied by a large, young, crew member on the winch. The holes in the mast look good and the bracket is still in good shape. I think that the rivets failing may have saved damage elsewhere so I would like to make the repair as close to original as possible.

Help finding the rivets or alternate repair suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Marc

S/V Thumper
1987 J/28

[Patrick_Seattle]

Not sure they are exactly what you need but check here:
http://www.rivetsonline.com/solid-aluminum-rivets.html

diameter - 1/4"
length - 1/4"
78 degree countersink
Quan: 100

$6.

-p

[Marc]

Thanks Patrick,
I called that company among others and they have none in stock. Tacoma Screw has been real helpful. They've called thier suppliers looking for me as well, but have run into the same problem. I can't find anything up the supply chain. The manufacturers would have to make them. I'm hoping that an individual, small business or boat yard had to place a minimum order and have some left that they would sell me.

Thanks,
Marc
S/V Thumper
J/28 #59

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
I believe I have them, but won't sell them to you. That is, I won't sell you aluminum ones. But I'll give you stainless ones. Young crewmember or no, a human being should not be able to pull that block free.
Contact the shop; they'll charge S&H only.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss