Mast step removal

[Mike Vogdes]

I'm pulling my boat tomorrow and will be unstepping the mast to repair some wiring, change to LED lights and inspect everything. The mast has steps installed and I have never been a fan of them, they always seem to snag everything and they are ugly. I know they are convenient but I will never climb them so they are coming off as well. Question is what's the best way to fill the holes in the mast, rivets ? Caulk ? JB weld ?

[roverhi]

Don't know if it's best but easiest would be aluminum pop rivets. That what I've done when hardware has been removed and not replaced on the 45 year old stick.