[Towertalk] 620/340

[Hugh Phillips - K7XM]

I have a 620/340. The rivets have fell out of the forty mtr elements more
than once. I have replaced them with upgraded rivets, using both  hydraulic
and or air rivet tool. The rivets in the boom and element to boom rivets are
the only ones that have been a problem.  Dick K8ZTT has the same antenna and
has the same problem. We are getting ready to replace the linear loaded
elements with the "N" elements, so will fix all at the same time.
So I would suggest something to correct this problem. The boom problem was
fixed by replacing the rivets and installing stainless bolts.
73,
Hugh
K7XM

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-admin@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-admin@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Pete Smith
Sent: 14 April, 2002 7:19 AM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Towertalk] 620/340

At 12:56 PM 4/14/02 +0000, Phil Duff wrote:
>Instead of double/triple-rowing the joint rivets why not use a couple of
>small stainless screws/bolts with appropriate lock washers and nuts or
>nylock nuts?     As matter of fact if there is a need to double/triple-row
>the rivets to prevent potential mechanical problems maybe rivets are not
>the best way to secure the joints - just use screws/bolts?

Steve and I have agreed to disagree on the need for additional rivets.  I
have not had anything even approaching an element rivet failure in 5 years
with 3 force12 antennas.

In my limited experience, anything that breaks up the smooth surface of the
elements, such as bolts or (gasp) tubing clamps, displays an almost magical
ability to latch onto the nearest guy wire or tag line during installation.


73, Pete N4ZR

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