Hi Jerry I don't know the manufacture of the hose clamps MFJ include in the
antennas . But I have assembled many Hi-Gain Telex antennas over the years. I
only use IDEAL all stainless hose clamps. I buy mine at the local plumbing
/heating supply Hose Winestine inc. You have to buy in Box lot so YMMV as to
you need. Use a 1/4 drive ratchet and nut driver to tighten the clamp screw. I
never stripped a 5/16 headed 1/2" or up to 1 1/2 " using that method. I have
over tightened the 1/4" to 3/8 " mini clamps BUT in there defense it was I
who was to aggressive with the ratchet wrench. Another cause of the need to
crank down and over tighten the band clamp, is the excessive amount of Noalox (
or any other ant oxidation ) compound. All you need is a Film, wipe it on
and with another rag wipe it off. There will be enough left ( for a test try
to wash it off you hands ! ) You will then be able to tighten the clamp and
secure the element inserted inside with out over ti
ghtening the hose clamp Wayne W3EA
> I'm putting together a TH-7DX and am having trouble with the hose clamps
> used to hold the telescoping sections of the elements together, especially
> the smaller diameter tubes.
>
> The instructions say to tighten the clamps until the two tubes will not
> slide in and out or rotate in each other. I find that if I tighten the
> clamps enough so that this is so, the clamps often break (the screw housing
> bends and will no longer hold the screw).
>
> Is there a way to tighten the clamps enough to secure the tubing without
> breaking them?
>
> 73, Jerry
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