Tack / Clew Replacement

Hi everyone,
I purchased new Clew / tac plates for my H16. They arrived with what are called 'tube rivets' to attach them to the sail. Two hardware stores didn't have a tool to attach these rivets.
I was told I could attach them with a hammer. Is that the way to do it? Also, whats the best way to get the old plates off?
Another idea was to get Chicago Screws, but I'd rather not rely on things that are threaded.

Any advice/ideas on the rivets and the general process of replacing these clew / tac plates would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I’ve replaced corroded out rivets on the clew plate of my mainsail before by just using stainless steel machine screws (either #6 or #8) and a nut. Install the nut using loctite so it won’t accidentally loosen. Then use a dremel to cut off any excess screw length and smooth it over. Not as pretty as the solid rivets, but fully functional and won’t ever corrode like aluminum. You really can’t install the solid rivets without having the correct tool.

sm