well i thought long and hard and spotlight didn't have felt thin and strong enough so i did was any self respecting astronomer would do, i velcroed it
i used the soft smooth part of the combination and it made a huge difference. its a very snug fit but it was easier to do up - still used the pliers to finger tighten up the screw.
then i had a thought - i don't want to take the RASA out of the dome so what could I do? I frankenseined it, took apart a set of rings i had to get the bases and did the unthinkable.........
now to mount it.... though no rush as with anything astro the terrifying bush fires and cloud have stopped anything for tonight.