[TowerTalk] Thanks--Freeing Seized Aluminum Tubing

[Richard L. Wilkins]

Thanks to all who responded to my question about freeing seized aluminum
antenna tubing.  I was able to separate the tubing on an old Pro-67A
without damaging it.

Both WD-40 and PB Blaster worked well as lubricants. The method that
worked best was to spray lubricant into the joints between the tubing
several times and let them soak.  I then clamped one end of the outer
tubing in a vise and heated the overlapping area with a propane torch. 
When the tubing got hot I quickly pulled and twisted on the inner tubing
with padded pliers .
Some pieces required going through this procedure a couple of times.
I padded the tubing with a thin rubber pad in the vise to prevent
surface damage.

PB Blaster and medium steel wool does a good job removing old Penatrox
and oxidation.

73,
Richard
KR4V

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