Rivet for mast base plug?

H

hallidave

New Member
I recently bought an old Laser (#8162 built in 1973) and for whatever reason it was missing the plastic plug at the base of the mast. I bought a new one but it comes with a rivet and I'm not sure what the rivet is for. It looks like I could just friction-fit the plug since it seems a tight fit.

Any ideas what the rivet is for?

Thanks,

Dave
 
On my Laser (1982) there are two holes in the bottom of the mast by the plug. The idea is that you rivet the plug into place.

I've been thinking though, the rivets (on mine) do stand out a little bit and this causes me to wonder if it will cause extra wear in the mast step tube when the mast turns. My thoughts went along the lines of....too bad it didn't fit tight enough without the rivets....
 

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That hurts looking at that pic - the rivet should be flush or recessed. From the builder, they countersink the hole.
 
I saw that (the countersunk holes). I used the rivets they supplied with the new end..... Methinks I'm going to have to re-visit the issue before I go sailing....
 
the bottom of my mast is ground right where the rivet is. i bought a new cap to replace, but my concern is, when i replace the cap, the rivet will be sticking out. any ideas?
 
yea anything that is protruding on your mast will really wear down your mast step tube quickly, even if its not sharp.
 
None of base plugs in our region are riveted. This is a bit of an issue sometimes with the radial sections, but never an issue with the standard sections. If I was to rivet this, I'd be looking for a specialist fasterners shop and buying countersunk rivets, rather than the traditional domed top.
 
I agree. There's really no load on this. Why not just use a little epoxy or RTV to hold it in place?
 
uid100 said:
Class rules also allow for a wear strip to be applied between the mast and the tube. It's a simple and inexpensive solution. I haven't done this yet, but it's high on my list. Check here: http://www.apsltd.com/c-2228-laser-mast-wear-strips.aspx.
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yeah, i have one ordered, hope to get on and try this weekend, will let you know how it works

and have we came to a consensus that there is no need to rivet in? What is the issue with radials?
 
My mast has no holes except for one that is too high and too big for a rivet. I'm assuming that it's a drainage hole. The fit of the plug seems pretty tight, so I think I'll just bash it with a rubber mallet and call it good.

Thanks for the info.
 
AlanD said:
.. If I was to rivet this, I'd be looking for a specialist fasteners shop and buying countersunk rivets, rather than the traditional domed top.
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Are there countersunk rivets or is there a specialty gun?

My base plug came from Laser w/rivets and none of them are/were countersunk. The hole is countersunk and I used a standard rivet gun to install them and as shown above, they certainly protrude.

So, either Laser supplied the wrong rivets or there is a special gun?
 
marvin-miller said:
Are there countersunk rivets or is there a specialty gun?

My base plug came from Laser w/rivets and none of them are/were countersunk. The hole is countersunk and I used a standard rivet gun to install them and as shown above, they certainly protrude.

So, either Laser supplied the wrong rivets or there is a special gun?
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where did you get yours from?
 
I got mine from the local authorized dealer who ordered them direct from Laser (I bought a bunch of other stuff so they had to make an order). I did a bit more research since my last post and there are indeed counter-sunk rivets designed for counter-sunk holes.

I just checked the OEM Laser site and they have a picture of the bottom plug w/rivet and you can see from the picture that it's not a counter-sunk rivet :eek: Long & short: it looks like Laser is bundling the plug with a standard (and incorrect) rivet. :mad:
 
132711 said:
yeah, i have one ordered, hope to get on and try this weekend, will let you know how it works

and have we came to a consensus that there is no need to rivet in? What is the issue with radials?
Click to expand...

The radials have a thinner walled mast section, whilst the external diameter of the mast is the same as the standard section, the internal diameter is significantly larger, yet as the plug is the same for both sections. For the plug to fit the standard section, it will be not as tight on the radial section. Really there should be two different plugs.

While I'm mentioning this, check that your plug has a drain hole in it, there is a mould defect with one type of plug and the hole is often blocked. If it's blocked, just put a drill hole in, in the centre.

marvin-miller said:
Are there countersunk rivets or is there a specialty gun?

My base plug came from Laser w/rivets and none of them are/were countersunk. The hole is countersunk and I used a standard rivet gun to install them and as shown above, they certainly protrude.
Click to expand...

It's a special countersunk rivet that can be used with an ordinary rivet gun. Few people know they exist and they might be difficult to obtain unless you have access to speciality fasheners shop, they aren't something you're going to find at the local hardwares.
 
The last time I renewed my standard and radial base plugs I am pretty sure they were slightly different sizes to suit the mast thickness.
I almost made the mistake of using standard shaped rivets until I realized I needed countersunk ones. No special rivet gun needed as long as it will accept the pin thickness.
 
So the conclusion is that Laser does not provide the right type of rivet, is it the case still, I need to replace mine too.
 
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