Nylon Mast Steps
Posted: Sun May 03, 2026 7:09 am
I ordered Nylon Folding Mast Steps. I decided on nylon so I wouldn’t have to worry about corrosion in the salt air. They recommended #10 Flat Head fastener screws. They do not recommend rivets.
The thickness of the mast steps is about ½”, so I ordered 1” #10 Phillips Flat Head Stainless Steel 316 screws. 316 stainless, again for salt air resistance.
Drill bits to use was a challenge. I tried 9/64 drill bits – too small. Then I tried 5/32 drill bits – again too small. I finally had to use 11/64 drill bits. These screws seem to get a good bite in the mast, and none of them twisted off, like they did in the smaller diameter holes.
As a disclaimer, I probably should have tapped the mast with a threading tool and then installed bolts, and if the mast was off the boat, laying on some sawhorses where it was easy to do that, I would have, but sitting awkwardly in a bosun’s chair 20 feet off the ground, I used machine screws, and that should be good.
The thickness of the mast steps is about ½”, so I ordered 1” #10 Phillips Flat Head Stainless Steel 316 screws. 316 stainless, again for salt air resistance.
Drill bits to use was a challenge. I tried 9/64 drill bits – too small. Then I tried 5/32 drill bits – again too small. I finally had to use 11/64 drill bits. These screws seem to get a good bite in the mast, and none of them twisted off, like they did in the smaller diameter holes.
As a disclaimer, I probably should have tapped the mast with a threading tool and then installed bolts, and if the mast was off the boat, laying on some sawhorses where it was easy to do that, I would have, but sitting awkwardly in a bosun’s chair 20 feet off the ground, I used machine screws, and that should be good.