Drilling rivets out

I received my new downhaul mast cheek block, rivets and rivet casings. I am anxious to put it on. I almost feel dumb for asking but do I use a 3/16" bit to drill the old rivet heads off or something a little larger like 1/4"? I guess part of the old rivets stay in the mast right? AND...Do the rivet casings require a larger hole than the original rivet holes? I hope these questions aren't too annoying, I just don't want to mess up this mast...If it were anything else, I'd just go for it...THANKS!

BTW Ordered many many new parts, as soon as the tramp comes in (approx. 2 weeks) we'll be sailing!! She WILL be awakened from that 20 year slumber!

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

Use a drill that will take the head off of the rivet but not punch through the mast. 3/16 should do it. You do NOT want to enlarge the hole!!! The old rivet will stay inside the mast unless you pull the mast base off and remove the foam plug.

The rivet casing requires a 13/64 drill.

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The rivets are 3/16" and the sleeves are 15/64"

You can use a 3/6" to drill the heads of the rivets off. You can also wallow out the new holes with the 3/16" bit to fit the sleeves if you have to.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Per the 2007 Murray's catalog page 14, the rivet casing "Requires 13/64" hole."

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The cap spec is:

RIVET CAP 15/64 SS

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

The good doctor bought a replacement cleat kit from Murray's. It includes rivet casings.


The Murray's catalog sez a 13/64" hole is required.

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I don't know how I missed the required 13/64 hole statement in the catalog. Over excitement I guess. The cheek block was from Murrays's of which they sent a catalog. ANYWAY, THANKS FOR THE REPLIES!! I'm pretty sure I have a few 13/64 bits in the garage, if not I'll pick one up tomorrow. Again, thanks for the help!!!!!

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

You'll need drill bits stronger than stainless steel. Go to the hardware store and get the strongest bit you can afford.

Not a problem. I have many tools and know where to get the ones I need. I'm pretty good with mechanical stuff. I've rebuild and run a Manx type Dune Buggy, rebuilt a Suzuki 4 wheeler, countless fixes on cars, motorcycles and boats...not much experience with rivets though. I usually bolt everything together. (The 1/4-20 SS bolt is one of my favorite fasteners besides the all mighty ZIP TIE!).

This is a WONDERFUL BOARD!!! I REALLY APPRECIATE THE HELP!!!

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

Do not use an HSS bit. Way to soft for stainless. Cobalt bits work well. I use a larger drill bit to remove the heads of the rivets. Just have to be careful to not drill through the mast. If you try to use the same size bit as the required hole, you will end up enlarging the hole when the shank of the rivet spins.

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Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

You'll grow to love the rivet, they can solve problems for sure. Try these guys for parts.. they're in your backyard.

BACKYARD BOATS
222 SEVERN AVE
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403
Phone: 1-410-263-2900

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Sail Revolution
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As I mentioned before, the cap is 15/64" not 13/64.

I suspect they have a typo and or expect you to wobble the bit to a 15/64" hole. I can't imagine they get their own caps from another supplier, but who knows. They are not a Hobie dealer.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Gotcha 15/64", I will get one today. Sears has a lawnmower I've been eye ballin anyway.

Backyard boats in Annapolis is basically a boat showroom...no parts (VERY freindly though). BUT the Backyard Boats location in VA. has everything! I ordered parts from them last week and they arrived at my door in around 24 hours!

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

Rather then continue the Hobie spec vs. the Murray's catalog debate, I decided to (drum roll please) go drill a hole. The winner is (crescendo of cymbals please) 7/32!!

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Well... even a 3/16" bit will do the job. Depends on the bit, drill motor and skill of the operator. A properly used, new bit at the correct dimension would be best.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)