[TowerTalk] Tower bolts etc..de K0FF

[K0FF]

Someone was asking about replacement tower bolts. MY firm advice is get them
from Rohn. period.

Have you ever twisted the head off of a galled stainless steel bolt or U
bolt? I certainly have and was shocked how easy it was to do with a simple
hand tool. Galvanized bolts that I but from the hardware store are even
weaker. They are made a little differently too, and are a sloppy fit before
dipping ( talking HOT galv, not plated). End result is variable due to
coating thickness. One nut can be loose, the next so tight it breaks before
it will tighten down. Fine for very rust- prone areas like radial plates and
other earth-contact apps.

Stainless and Galv may not be strong enough for a life-critical application.
Grade 8 bolts are extremely hard and strong. Although for some reason, it's
been said that they are too brittle for tower work? Any comments on this?
Normal hardware store  bolts are grade 2 (unmarked heads), and are way too
weak for anything critical. Grade 5 ( three hash makes on bolt head) are a
good all around bolt that's strong yet ductile . The grade 8 ( usually
plated a color like blue, and has several hash marks) is extraordinarily
hard. I like to use grade 8 on most things, except towers. You can drive on
into a poorly aligned hole  with a sledgehammer and still get the nut on
afterward.

On tower fasteners and steps ( like on my SSV), seat of the pants
engineering is not safe. Leave those decisions to the experts.

PS It give the widow someone to sue, in case it does break, too. Don't for a
minute think that the high turnover in the ham tower mfg.. market doesn't at
least have a little to due with liability/

Happy Building
Geo>K0FF


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