Hey all! We just ran into this same problem launching my boat for the first time in 30 years! As a temporary fix we machined a plate
<https://nextcloud.kitsunehosting.net/index.php/s/Bgj6a2GwPFHb2te> and
replaced those inappropriate round top screws with flush ones countersunk into aluminum. It worked good, but we're planning on CNCing a whole new roller on the bottom of the mast to keep it from breaking like that. I'll add some pics of the temporary fix and attach CAD files for the roller later!

On Fri, Jul 5, 2024 at 11:32 AM ROGER PIHLAJA <roger_pihlaja at msn.com> wrote:

> Hi Peter,
>
> You can either purchase or a rent a tool for removing/installing external
> snap rings.  You want the style with a jack screw.  Place the jaws into the
> slot and jack the lips apart.  Look for this tool in an auto parts store or
> a hardware store.  This tool would allow you to apply gentle but powerful
> force right where you want it.  You don’t really want to pry the lips up
> like pliers would do.  You want to get in between the lips and pry them
> apart laterally.  Forcing some sort of wedge in between the lips might also
> accomplish what you want to do.
>
> Roger Pihlaja
> S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
> 1978. Sanford, MI
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Jul 5, 2024, at 10:30 AM, peter beckerman via Rhodes22-list <
> rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for your thoughts Roger.  The mainsail furler seems to work
> fine.  The slider only binds up in the bottom 18 to 24 inches of the mast.
> I usually don't leave the pop top attached to the slider because of this,
> and it makes it tough to drop the boom to the lower position (I've never
> tried furling with the boom in "1st reef" position... It might bind).
> > I think I'll try some gentle love with a pair of pliers and see if I can
> persuade the mast to return to shape, or close to.
> >
> > Peter
> >
> > [ Sent From rhodes22.net ]
> >
>