Using riv-nuts - what material

[jweschman]

My mast has what US Spars labels a "diverter" fitting (really just a fairlead that's part of the single-line reefing system, factory installed by Beneteau) that was mounted using 6mm machine screws. Unfortunately, the previous owner stripped out the holes, and I'm leaning towards using riv-nuts to re-attach it to the mast.

I noticed that Brion and others here have mentioned riv-nuts a few times, but haven't seen any advice about what *material* is preferred. Aluminum, stainless, or monel??

Aluminum and stainless seem to be easier to find, but I'll hunt for monel if that's what's recommended. Also, if using SS, would you coat the riv-nut body with tef-gel first?

Much thanks in advance for any advice!

Jeff
Houston, TX

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
Sorry to have been so slow in getting to this. Aluminum rivets would probably be fine for this application, as it sounds like a very low load, and most of that in shear. Just make sure you have rivets sufficiently long for the thickness of the spar. You can find load ratings for both stainless and aluminum versions, so run the numbers and choose accordingly. And by numbers I mean load on line, with the vector figured in, for load on fitting.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss