Hello Grant:
If you are looking for Galvanized muffler clamps, these Cycle24 clamps at DX
Engineering are pretty inexpensive:
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/brand/cycle-24/product-line/cycle-24-ga
lvanized-economy-saddle-clamps?autoview=SKU&sortby=Default&sortorder=Ascendi
ng
73
Tim K3LR
-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Steve
Bookout
Sent: Friday, June 30, 2017 3:14 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Saddle clamps (muffler clamps)
Hi Grant,
The place is called Bolt and Nut, inc http://www.boltandnut.com/
They can make anything you want.
About a year ago, I was running out of 3 inch U-bolts, so I bought
another 150. Frank, W3LPL, went in with me and got 150 and we were able
to get a better price.
They don't do the galvanizing in-house, so it takes a bit longer to get
them. I guess it was 4 to 6 weeks or so. Also, supplied galvanized nuts.
I'm going to order some more 2 inch U-bolts in the next couple of weeks,
if anyone wants some. I won't know the exact price till I give them the
quantity.
Steve
On 6/30/2017 11:52:AM, Grant Saviers wrote:
> Steve,
>
> Let us know your custom HDG u-bolt source. Portland Bolt makes them
> but only 1/2" and up.
>
> While I use the excellent DX Eng stainless u-bolts with the cast
> saddles, I also use hot dip galvanized u-bolts without saddles, but
> internally sleeve at the bolts. Long sizes are available from
> McMaster when thicker plates are used. (unfortunately, long are
> always too long (aesthetics not function) and standard too short). SS
> always needs TLC to not gall which can be a real PITA when it
> happens. As mentioned, taking them apart after a few years can be
> difficult.
>
> An antenna I have in construction has all elements insulated with
> Stauff clamps to hold the elements to the boom plates. Available from
> DXE, McM, ebay, and others. For large diameters I make my own split
> insulators with 3/8 thru bolts out of 1" thick (or thicker) UV
> resistant nylon (or other UV resistant plastic). These can be bored in
> a garage lathe 4 jaw chuck, small mill with a rotary table, or CNC,
> drilled and then and split on a bandsaw or table saw. I use 3/8 thick
> 6061 plates on top. I had to replace split ABS pipe used as an
> insulator on one commercial antenna. ABS pipe is a very poor choice
> since it is foam core and compresses over time. Most cast solid UV
> resistant plastics are ok at HF. Center of element voltages are low
> and dissipation losses are minor.
>
> Bent saddles (muffler clamps) get loose as the saddle splays out or
> deform the boom/element when tightened, so avoid them.
>
> Another trick is to internally sleeve where a boom or element is
> clamped. One size or two of telescoping tubing. A damaged section
> can be cut out and two sleeves extended both sides plus the
> replacement center diameter. Sometimes sleeves can be driven into
> lightly damaged sections with lots of Penetrox, a wood plate, and
> mallet. Taper the edge.
>
> Grant KZ1W
>
> On 6/30/2017 6:40 AM, Steve NR4M wrote:
>> Hello Gary,
>>
>> Good luck on finding something.
>>
>> Years ago, I was not happy with my choices. I just can not see
>> paying ~$15 for a SS U-bolt and 'part-the-way-around' saddle. Don't
>> know the alloy of the SS material, but you can bet it's not the best
>> stuff out there.
>> But, what really gripes me is because of the high coefficient of
>> adhesion, stainless galls and seizes sooo easily. If I really NEED
>> to use SS, I consider it a 'one use' item.. I have not found a anti
>> seize compound that works well enough, or LONG ENOUGH, to alleviate
>> this problem.
>> All may be fine now, but try and take the U-bolt apart in 5 years.
>>
>> Doesn't help you, but my solution was to have custom U-bolts made in
>> quantity, in several sizes, with a hot dipped galvanized coating.
>> Never had one fail; never had one gall. I found a place in FL that
>> makes what I want.
>>
>> For saddles, I make my own from billet 6061-T6 aluminum 3/4 of an
>> inch thick, and just shy of a half circle. These things hold super
>> tight.
>> Fortunate to be a retired machinist and have a Bridgeport milling
>> machine. Wish I had a CNC machine, but not too bad doing 50 at a time.
>>
>> Good luck.
>>
>> 73 de Steve, NR4M
>>
>> On 6/29/2017 22:53, Gary Schafer wrote:
>>> I am looking for some 2" and 3" saddle clamps (muffler clamps) to
>>> replace
>>> all the boom to element plate clamps on the 40 meter beam.
>>>
>>> What is the best type, galvanized, zinc plated or just plain steel?
>>> Also where do you guys buy them?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>> Gary K4FMX
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TowerTalk mailing list
>>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>>
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
|