[TowerTalk] Backup for equalizer plate bolts

[Steve Maki]

W5KP wrote:

>I'd like to back up the single bolt that ties the equalizer plates to the
>guy anchor eye, but I don't see a handy way to do it, since the eq plates
>cover the eye on the anchor rod pretty much completely. Rohn's catalog shows
>details for safety wiring a single rod anchor and eq plate in case of
>turnbuckle failure (and to keep people from messing with the turnbuckle
>adjustments), which I will do. But if the main bolt through the anchor rod
>eye fails, it appears one is summarily screwed. Is anybody backing up this
>bolt, and if so what method is being used?

Just use a bigger bolt! For ANY application, there is a hardware
size which instills complete confidence no matter how paranoid
you may be - I'm not suggesting that you're paranoid, of course :-)
You may have to drill the equalizer plate out to accomodate the larger
bolt size. I typically use at least 7/8" A325 bolts in that situation.

The above thought also goes for single point guy anchors - if you put
in a big enough one, it will not be the weak link in the system. Your
guy anchor should be able to hold the sum total breaking strength of
the guy wires. In many cases, screw in anchors can not do that.

73
--
Steve K8LX

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