In a message dated 97-08-02 16:35:32 EDT, bblain@atiradio.com (B. Blain)
writes:
> Boy, it was a lot harder dealing with this stuff than 25. The tower
> legs did not line up, and many of the sections appear to have one (or
> more) legs that look slightly out of line (optical illusion?).
>
> The sections are NEW, so I would think that this is normal. If it is,
> what are the techniques for getting the sections up?
Well, it's pretty common. Assuming that they were manufactured
corrrectly, then shipping damage is the problem. Unless it's bad enough to
submit a damage claim, it's easy enough to remedy.
BTW, the other new tower sections problem is excess galvanizing slag in
the bolt holes. Use your taper punch/alignment tool/drift pin to clear the
excess. Also check inside the leg couplers for ridges of excess slag. Use a
rattail or other round file to take that stuff off. The slag will jam the leg
as you try to seat it.
>
> Did your legs line up when putting up your new rohn 45?
Usually.
> Were we sold damaged goods?
For the most part, no.
>
> We did get the second section on the first, but one leg was off (to the
> outside) by three quarters of an inch or so. I used a turnbuckle to
> pull it in, and presto, it's up. I would think that this makes it
> harder to get the sections apart to come down though.
>
Using a turnbuckle or comealong or another method is a time honored
tradition.
One of the 10 Most Common Tower Building Mistakes (a free copy is
available from TOWER TECH) is NOT fitting the sections on the ground. It's
much easier to find a potential fit problem and fix it on the ground than it
is up on the tower. Don't assume that the sections all fit together. Use a
pipe or pry bar to bend the wayward legs into the correct alignment. Your
tower erection will go much smoother than screwing around with it up on the
tower. I recently installed 100 feet of new 45G and about half of the
sections needed persuading.
Put a dollop of anti-oxidant inside the leg couplers. They'll not only
slide together more smoothly but it'll retard any corrosion formation. Plus
if you want to shunt feed the tower, it'll provide a nice solid electrical
joint.
If the sections fit but won't slide down, use a comealong to pull it into
place. Yes, taking the sections apart in the future will be "interesting" but
maybe you won't have to do it - hi!
73 and GL, Steve K7LXC
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