[TowerTalk] Spreading HD Thimbles

[Frank Donovan]

Kirk,

I recommend that you purchase "open pattern" heavy duty thimbles, the only
type recommended -- and the only type sold -- by Rohn.

I would not recommend modifying the critical structural components of your
tower system.  Thimbles will inevitably be weakened my working them,
hardly worth it when you consider how inexpensive thimbles are.

73
Frank
W3LPL
donovanf@sgate.com

On Wed, 15 Oct 1997, K4RO Kirk Pickering wrote:

> What is the best method to spread the opening of the heavy duty
> 3/8" and 1/2" thimbles?  I'm finding the 3/8" ones a considerable
> challenge in the field, and just doable with a vise on the bench.  
> The 1/2" ones I can't even spread on the bench vise using a small vise
> and vise grips; forget about field installation.  I'm talking about the 
> very heavy duty thimbles here, and not the mickey mouse ones from home 
> depot which can be spread with a butter knife.
> 
> I'm attempting it with a vise-grip and a 10" crescent wrench (yes
> that's probably my problem.)  I know that they must be "twisted" open,
> and can't be (easily) "pried" open.  What are you using to successfully 
> get a good enough grip and sufficient leverage to open and close a 1/2"
> HD thimble?  Any tips much appreciated.
> 
> -Kirk  K4RO


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