When using turnbuckles, *don't forget to safety wire them*. I have
never seen a ham safety wire a turnbuckle.
Withe the loads we "normally" put on them, even the cheap imports are
"normally" sufficient. Don't use the Aluminum rod turnbuckles. The
threaded area making contact will corrode and they will come apart.
In most cases the safety wire will never be used, but they are good
insurance for those "just-in-case" moments. Safety wire is like any
insurance. We hope to never need it, but if we do, we are glad to have it.
Our location is well above the flood plain, but we still have flood
insurance. The sump pump failed with the result being a foot of water in
the basement. Cost was over five grand. Our cost was $500. If a guy
fails, what would be the cost to replace the tower and antennas? It
costs little except time to safety wire turnbuckles, potentially saving
thousands.
73, Roger (K8RI)
On 9/10/2017 Sunday 3:17 PM, Byron wrote:
Thanks for replies-
I apologize for not measuring the rods before posting. I just glanced at the
turnbuckles when I was over at my friends. I called and had him caliper one of the
side rods and it measures 0.635” OD.
These turnbuckles are all one-piece forged – if you can envision a large, tapered, round piece at each end, threaded
for ¾” x 9” long eye-bolt pieces – large enough that a pair of 0.635” rods are forged to its
underside, side by side, with ample room inbetween the rods for the ¾” threaded eye-bolt pieces.
I could not find a picture of these anywhere on the net. The eyes on each end are
circular, forged and look like the Chicago built ones. In essence these just have rods versus
a rectangular piece for the “sides”.
These turnbuckles are tightened in conventional manner by placing flat bar
inbetween rods and turning, just like you would do on the ones that have the
rectangular slats for sides. The rods, being 5/8” OD, are sufficiently stiff
enough for this style tightening. The threaded ends are round with no wrench flats.
I saw some of these years ago at an OT’s residence that in years past had substantial towers (150’ to
175’) up using them. I was always curious about them and now that a friend has offered me some NOS ones I thought
I would ask. I believe these were made years before the flood of the cheaper grade ones you see now. The galvanizing on
them is still in great shape. I just can’t find any markings on them other than the “3/4”. Just
thought I would ask, thanks, Byron W5FH
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73
Roger (K8RI)
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