Bimini Hardware Question

[barthel]

Hey All,

Not sure if this is a dumb question or not, haven't really had much experience with bimini tops.

On a river trip last week, 2 of the end tabs on my bimini snapped and broke. I need to replace them, and figured while I'm there I'll probably just replace all hardware on it and possibly upgrade it to metal hardware (it's plastic now). I've been looking online and found the hardware I need but noticed something. Most metal (and plastic) replacement hardware seems to be held in place by a set screw. After looking at my existing hardware, it is actually riveted.

Needless to say I'm going to have to drill the rivets out, my question is will a set screw hold into the hole that the rivet leaves, or should I plan on removing the set screws and re-riveting it?

Any help or opinions is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Grub54891]

Most I've seen have fairly small set screws. I'd say it would have to be drilled for the rivits. You can decide wich way to go when the hardware arrives.

 

[jimmy wise]

what you do is set up the top with the set screws. when all is good the screw comes out and you drill and install rivits. dont try and use set screws, they are not for holding it together andsomeone will get hurt

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

I've had my top up in some very strong winds and never have I found any slippage in the set screws. The simplest thing to do here is put the new pieces of hardware on the ends of your poles and turn them 180 degrees so the set screw is contacting the opposite of the pole, from the existing hole for your pop-rivet.

 

[barthel]

Thanks Gents, I'll give it a try........

 

[greenbush future]

I'm in the same boat regarding broken plastic ends if you could post where you found the replacements for your Bimini, I would be grateful. Thanks