I put up a KT36XA with a Ham IV rotator last fall and a
week later we were hit with 60 mph gusty winds for over
a day. During that period I had three of the bottom
bolts rotate out of the rotator bottom and the fourth
and final one eventually snapped off. (I did find two fo
the bolts on the tower base.) I had used the SS bolts
with split lock washers that came with the rotator.
After inquiring around I now use regular steel plated
Grade 5 bolts (The SS are "slippery" and one wants some
corrosion in this application.) I also used the the
medium strength blue Loctite Threadlocker 242 (removable
with hand tools), and finally I used Nord-Lock vibration
resistant lock washers (available at McMaster Carr). I
checked these bolts about a month ago and all were
holding tight, but I agree, this is one of those items
that should be checked when one does their annual tower
climb and inspection. Phil KB9CRY
|