Rivets for a rod holder?

I'd like to mount a RAM ball on the deck just behind my seat on my Revo. However, there is no way I can reach underneath to put a nut on a bolt. Are rivets sufficiently strong to secure a rod holder on kayak?

Screw rivets, they butterfly out on the bottom side. You can get them from HOOK1

I'd like to mount a RAM ball on the deck just behind my seat on my Revo. However, there is no way I can reach underneath to put a nut on a bolt. Are rivets sufficiently strong to secure a rod holder on kayak?

In most circumstances, yes.  But if you think there is a chance for a good amount of rotational force on that rod holder it would be best to move it to a location where you can reach underneath so you can use stainless bolts and nylon lock nuts.



As you can see I have 4 RAM balls behind my seat.  The two positioned just behind my seat are mounted with rivets since when I use them for a rod holder they do not see a strong rotational force.  The two that are just forward of the molded rod holders are mounted with bolts and large washers on the inside for backing support.  It is possible for these to experience a decent amount of rotational force because of how I use my RAM Revolution rod holders on them so I felt that rivets wouldn't cut it.  They are positioned just far enough from the seat that I could barely reach the bolts to thread on the nuts by reaching in from the back hatch. 

I never use well-nuts (the ones mentioned previously sold by Hook-1) because I know that they can fail.  Spot has an old post where he documented them failing on one of his flush mount rod holders.  I have more faith in rivets than well-nuts.

These are actuallly what I used. They will not fail. I tested them 

http://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Extra-Long-Mounting-Rivets/dp/B0062BXAEY

These are actuallly what I used. They will not fail. I tested them 

http://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Extra-Long-Mounting-Rivets/dp/B0062BXAEY

Those look really good.

These are actuallly what I used. They will not fail. I tested them 

http://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Extra-Long-Mounting-Rivets/dp/B0062BXAEY

Those look really good.

browneyesvictim actually found them and even ordered them for me, he is pretty awesome. I do recommend using a stout rivet gun with these though.

These are actuallly what I used. They will not fail. I tested them 

http://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Extra-Long-Mounting-Rivets/dp/B0062BXAEY

Those look really good.

Yeah those!!! +1
I use these for everything I anchor now. I'm actually rather surprised how strong regular rivets can hold to the plastic as long as you drill your hole sizes as tight as you can and use the proper length rivets. Stainless Steel rivets are much stronger than aluminum ones also. The tri-folds at least appear like they have added backing... Im not sure how much more they offer in actuality, but so far ZERO have ever come loose on me.  My concern isn't about weather the rivets will pull through or fail, but how sturdy the plastic is around whatever I'm mounting. If you can mount close to a contour or molding where the plastic is thicker and there is surrounding structural strength and rigidity of the mount. If not, you may notice a lot of movement in the deformation of the platic around the mount. I wish there were RAM ball mounts that came with wider bases for this reason. It looks like you may not have this issue where you want t mount them though.
 
I put a lot of torque on my RAM ball mounts with both my fish liar and rod holders which are on long RAM extension arms. Fortunately where I put them I have access underneath. Even then, I use a Scottys flush mount and convert with a RAM wedge mount adapter. This gives options and versatility of either Scotties accessories or RAM.

Do you have room there for either of these?
http://www.amazon.com/Marine-Mount-Kayak-Sealed-Rain/dp/B00CF4WDI6/ref=pd_sim_sg_1
http://www.amazon.com/Scotty-Round-Flush-Deck-Mount/dp/B000M6MAP0/ref=pd_sim_sg_75
This would give you a stronger mount with less strain on the rivets and give you more options for either type of mount.

Another idea (if its flat enough) would be to put a Slide Track across that width behind your seat to spread out that load also...

I prefer not to do a flush rod holder. I bought the Ram 2000 rod holders (like Rawkfish's setup) because I like the diversity of configurations this rod holder gives you in conjunction with Ram ball. I think I will go with the Scotty extended rivets and see how that works. For the most part these rod holders will be used primarily for transport but I do plan on trolling for kokanee with them but I don't really see a kokanee putting too much strain on the base.

I will be relieved to get these installed and then all I have left is an anchor system, safety flag/light, and a fish bag.

I have the same Ram 2000 holder and love it! The only thing is it works good for smaller rods but my larger Sturgeon/Boat rods handles are too thick. 

I'd probably go the same route since it won't see a load. Good call.
But I think you might be misunderstanding what kind of "flush" holder I'm talking about. These are Scotties flush mounts with a Ram wedge in them so it looks just like a regular Ram Ball mount. Although there are no rivets with the compact flush mount, you get the idea.

Seeing as I have never riveted anything in my life. Can you recommend a decent rivet gun?

One that doesn't look like a cheap piece of crap.   

One that doesn't look like a cheap piece of crap.   

LOL! Good advice. Off to Home Depot!

Just saw this post and hopefully it's not to late. Try this site for lots of supplies, great service and prices too. http://www.duckworksbbs.com/fasteners/rivets/al-tri/index.htm