Basic Strap Eye Installation with Rivets

Tom Holtey shows you how to install strap eyes or pad eyes with a Rivet Tool for attaching gear to your kayak.

[@timvanraam177]

Footman’s loop is what I learned to call strep eye. It’s a cool name too!

[@saberXedge]

Excellent information!

[@tremco123]

thank you great simple precise video

[@robinmcfarlane8243]

great video. Thank you!

[@tyrionlannister1628]

Thanks for the Informative video! helped alot more than the videos up near the top.

[@boatman222345]

For a boat like this standard pop rivets are fine. But for serious use on things like sea kayak hatches, etc. I prefer sealed rivets as they prevent seepage through the mandrel.

[@pitpony2006]

Great advice

[@vansonmafeet734]

Great video, thanks for sharing. How does one determine where to attach pad eyes to the kayak? What are they best used for? Thanks.

[@Wireman134]

Don't beat down the rivet you"ll loosen it.

[@irontitan187]

U don’t have to use bolt cutters to remove the pad eyes drill out the center with a 1/8 drill bit. Takes two seconds and you can reuse the pad eye.

[@TomHoltey]

In my 25+ years of kayak assembly experience, tapping the mandrill down, if needed, does not loosen the rivet, by any measurable degree. Nor will it incur any leaking if sealed with silicone. Tapping is a far better alternative to drilling the rivet off, or cutting or grinding the mandrill down. (info applicable to kayaks only, not to airplanes)

[@TheFabio1992Fabio]

e invece per rimuovere un rivetto?

[@jessicamueller2956]

so if you don't have access to the inside to put a nut on the end you have to have the rivet thing? of is there another way?

[@ewokdaddy]

Jessica Mueller , well nuts

[@chasman4359]

Nice, where can I get a hand drill like that?

[@TomHoltey]

To any one who wants to know... hand drill is commonly available as "sears" brand or "fiskars" brand. Might be available at Ace.

[@AxelayMK3]

Hi Tom. This video has really helped me with a project which I am working on with my new kayak. I do have a question about strap eyes and attachment points. I'm attempting to do something... unorthodox... with storing and transporting my kayak, and was wondering if you've ever seen someone attempt to hang a kayak via strap/pad eyes? If so, about how much load do you think that an evenly-distributed set of 6 pad eyes attached with tri-grip rivets could support? The weight of the whole kayak?

[@boatman222345]

Not a good idea, particularly with plastic boats, as they provide very limited purchase an can lead to deformation of the deck. Just rig up a couple of web or rope loops to cradle the hanging kayak.

[@bryanbiltoft8141]

Voila

[@crankshaft007]

Looks like the wrong pad eyes? These are not the flat type for rivets

[@TomHoltey]

They are called "Jet" rivets, sometimes "cherry" rivets. Send me an email for more info.

[@TomHoltey]

Rivets: no need for inside access. Need a special tool. Very strong. Machine Screws (blunt end) and Nuts: must reach inside simple tools needed. Very strong. Self-tap Screws (pointed): no need for inside access. NOT strong. Machine Screws (blunt end) and Well-Nuts: no need for inside access. Not necessarily strong.

[@MASWHA]

Extension cords?????? Who uses power drills anymore with extension cords? LOL