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[TowerTalk] Universal Freestanding Tower

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Universal Freestanding Tower
From: n8de@thepoint.net (Don Havlicek)
Date: Wed, 06 Feb 2002 19:05:30 -0500
Can anyone comment on using 'titanium steel' bolts/nuts for this
purpose?  They are readily available on the 'surplus' aircraft hardware
market.
Just wondering!
Don 
N8DE

Roger Borowski wrote:
> 
> Series 304 Stainless Steel hardware equates to very near Grade 7,
> significantly stronger than the Grade 5 hardware typically used in most
> construction and automotive projects. The Stainless steel actually has
> slightly superior shear strength than Grade 8 steel hardware but slightly
> less tensile (fastening) strength. I believe the issue with tower thru bolts
> is shear strength, where Stainless is superior, even to grade 8, which is
> more brittle than stainless steel. Another factor is that the Grade 8 steel
> hardware initial strength may be a bit greater than that of Stainless steel,
> but the longevity of its slight tensile strength superiorness is always a
> question, where the stainless steel will not degrade with time and exposure,
> nor fall victim to electrolysis. Most manufacturers will err on the side of
> cost vs. longevity and fortunately most antenna manufacturers have seen the
> benefits of the longevity of stainless hardware and have been including it
> for the past couple of decades. If you've been around awhile and recall
> attempting to disassemble antennas back in the days before stainless steel
> hardware was the norm, you'll know what I'm saying. Unfortunately most tower
> manufacturers still haven't found it as a cost effective option that they
> feel people will be willing to pay extra for. I believe that is the real
> issue and not some minor variations in ultimate tensile strength. It is a
> long term safety issue that in itself, should be enough reason to use
> non-corrosive fasteners. After all, who has any idea how long a tower will
> remain standing and who will be climbing it and the condition of the
> hardware at that time?     73, -=Rog-K9RB=-
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: S. J. Blackwell <w5lu@hotmail.com>
> To: <TOWERTALK@contesting.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2002 6:17 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Universal Freestanding Tower
> 
> >
> > Good evening all,
> > When I reinstalled my Universal tower I intended to use all stainless
> > fasteners. One problem, the need for grade 8 bolts. This is most true as
> you
> > near the lower sections where the stress increases. There are, to the best
> > of my knowledge no equivalent in SS. If anyone knows of such, please let
> us
> > know. In the mean time I plan on replacing the bolts peiordically.
> > 73
> > Sam, W5LU
> >
> >
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