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Re: [TowerTalk] Rhn 45 bolts

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rhn 45 bolts
From: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2015 18:05:03 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Over my 54 years as a ham, I've put up a few 25 and 45G towers, for myself and others. Over that period, the hardware has evolved. ROHN even made a "Dirt Base" for the 20 and 25G. I don't know when that was discontinued, but they worked very well. Insurance and lawyers probably had a hand in that.

The first thing to do is ASK ROHN rather than go for a bunch of opinions on a news group. Their hardware has changed over the years.

Bolt and nut sizes have remained standard for the 25G and for the 45F as far as I know, but they are not interchangeable. What has changed are the nuts and washers. My current 45G used a stamped, lock nut on top of the regular nut. You may find a regular washer, a lock washer, the stamped lock nut. All galvanized. As far as I know (AFAIK) galvanized bolts are "ungraded" . There are grade 8, 5, and ungraded, in that order strong to less strong
That is not a blank check to use and hardware store bolt.


Another change is not cleaning the excess galvanizing from the bolt holes with the admonishment to never drill out the holes, or screw the bolt through the galvanizing. Use a "taper pin punch". It's doubtful if any hams are familiar with the Iron worker's wrench/alignment tool for which I can never remember the name just like those stamped, dish shaped lock nuts.

I found it necessary to fit the sections together, then align them with a punch inserted in the small bolt hole. I had to drive the punch in from both sides to open both holes with out over sizing one.

I've never found it necessary to assemble the entire tower on the ground.

73

Roger (K8RI)


On 9/3/2015 1:16 PM, Richard Lightner wrote:
Later this year I am going to erect a Rohn 45.  Before I start this job, I
have been checking everything on the ground to be sure all is good.  I
discovered that the bolts that connect the tower sections have been hot
dipped in zinc.  They are very tight, and I think that it might be too
difficult to tighten them on the tower when I am 30 feet or higher.  Should
I take a tap and die to clean out the threads?  Lock washers were not
included.  Should I get some zinc ones before I start this job?

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--

73

Roger (K8RI)


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