Bad assumption, the TB3s don't rust EXCEPT the set screw which holds
the ball bearings. I have two on my tower, one is over 25 years old,
I live next to the Gulf of Mexico (granted I do have some extra
lubricant these days) but the only rust I had was the set screw which
I replaced with a stainless steel version and the hold down bolts
which again I switched to stainless steel. Now the birds love to
unload on them so they are never pretty when I take a picture but if
interested I do have a picture of the 25 year old one. I do spray
them with cold galvanizing paint but maybe twice in the last 20
years. I do recommend some form of small umbrella (protection) over
the bearing to keep the majority of the rain and dirt away from it,
no reason to handicap the situation. I think you guys are getting
worked up over nothing ( a classic Internet phenomena ). I suspect
the TB3's have been around for over 40 years which must tell us
something. You can do better but for the reliability, longevity and
low maintenance under the correct loads, the TB3 is hard to beat. Ken K5RG
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