Loose rivets on eye for kicker take-off

I put an eye for the kicker take-off on my Flying Fifteen mast using 5ml rivets but with a 6ml* drill, in an emergency repair. Now, inevitably, the rivets are loose and the fitting is wobbling about.

I'd like to drill bigger holes for bigger rivets, this time matching the bit to the rivet size. I suspect I may have to go considerably bigger, as the movement has probably enlarged the existing holes still further.

Can I ask if anyone knows the maximum size rivet normally used for this job. Also would really appreciate it if anyone has general advice for riveting fittings to aluminium masts so that I don't have to drill more holes, as I'm running out of room!

* My best guess from memory on sizes. Maybe they were different -- but I do know the drill bit used was too big.

Hmm... I wouldn't try bolting as I don't have access to the far side for a nut! 

Originally posted by timeintheboat Err no. Take the mast foot off and pull the bolt up the mast using thin cotton tied in the thread. I dropped a needle through the hole tied to the thread at the end. Use tweezers or the ilk to pull the bolt through the hole, bolt from the outside and trim the bolt. For the spreaders I had the mast up against the house and a ladder up next to it.

If the number of rivets against the load is marginal then they always will work loose. Poprivets really are a rather crude solution... If you are using a cascade kicker then you can split the load to multiple anchor points whioh will bring the loads under control. Ultimately though bolts, especially with reasonable size washers on, are a far better solution even if they are a pain to fit.

But could you split that down? I've used three points on a boat that had really serious kicker loads...