RE: [Paddlewise] Plugging a hole with a rivet in X-linked plastic

At 07:41 PM 7/21/00 -0700, John Williams wrote:
>Long Story Short:
>Foot rail came out and no new foot rail is suitable, so new holes must be
drilled.
>
>Problem: Old boat is made of crosslinked plastic
>
>Possible solutions:  1.  Just put a screw in it    BUT   nut sticks out
into new Rail---I really don't like this one.
>
>                              2.  Does anyone know of a flat ON BOTH SIDES
rivet that would sit flat inside hull????????
>            
>                               3.  Any other ideas out there?????????????????

John,

You might try the following if the hull is sufficiently thick:

	1.   Countersink the hole from both sides.*
	2.   Insert a nylon screw into the hole from the outside.**
	3.   Use a soldering iron or wood burning tool to mush over the screw
		on the inside, rivet fashion.
	4.   When cool, dab on some silicone caulk on the inside to 
		assure water-tightness.

*   The diameter of the screw should be the small that just fills up the hole.
**  The length of the screw should be such that the mushed material just
fills up the inside countersink.  Develop your technique on a sheet of
practice material the same thickness as your boat.

Good luck,

Bill Leonhardt


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