For cleaning the inside walls of tubing, where the next smaller piece of
tubing telescopes inside, I use the cylindrical-shaped wire brushes
that the plumbers have for cleaning copper pipe before they sweat the
joints together. First I cut the handles off, then chuck them into a
cordless drill. They come in various sizes, enough to cover all the
tubing you will encounter on a beam. Takes only seconds per joint.
I usually blow out the area with compressed air to remove any metal
filings that may be hanging around before reassembly.
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of John Kemker
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:32 AM
To: Brian Machesney
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Yagi re-build question
Mag wheel cleaner works pretty well. However, you need to be careful
with it, as some brands contain diluted hydroflouric acid. I've used it
for cleaning oxidized aluminum, but was careful to use nitrile gloves
and LOTS of water for rinsing. All that really needs to be cleaned,
however, are metal-to-metal contact surfaces, such as where tubing goes
into tubing, etc. No need to clean the entire antenna. For that, I've
just started using a Scotch-Brite pad and a bit of elbow grease,
followed by some form of anti-oxidant grease.
Brian Machesney wrote:
> I have obtained several aged yagis that I intend to rebuild. The elements
> and booms have various amounts of "gunk" on them - ranging from
atmospheric
> crud to left over tape adhesive to oxidation where metal parts were
clamped
> together.
>
> What's the best - that is, fastest, easiest and cheapest - way to clean
> these up? I've tried ScotchBrite pads - man, that takes a lot of elbow
> grease. I believe sailors use dilute phosphoric acid, but I'm not quite
sure
> what that accomplishes.
>
> Then, is there a way to keep the gunk off? I've seen posts about using
> acrylic sprays, but I've been told latex is preferred; not sure where to
> find a "clear latex spray."
>
> Ideas?
>
> 73 -- Brian -- K1LI
>
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