[TowerTalk] SS "U" bolts

[Eric Scace K3NA]

Galling of stainless steel hardware can be prevented by using anti-seize compound.  Suitable compounds are available at auto supply
stores.

Not sure what you are trying to hold.  If you are trying to keep the boom from rotating, maybe an extra U-bolt will help.  It might
also help to place some material inside the portion of the boom on which the U-bolts bear, so as to keep the boom round while the
U-bolt is compressed.  A wood dowel of appropriate diameter is one approach.  If the boom compresses or deforms over time, the
U-bolt will become loose.

If you are simply trying to tighten things enough so that the nuts don't get loose again, use nylock nuts.

Hope this helps.

-- Eric K3NA

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Joe - KC2TN
Sent: 2003 July 18 Friday 15:30
To: kk9a at arrl.net; TOWERTALK at contesting.com
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] SS "U" bolts


I've used DX Engineering's 2 1/2" SS U bolts on my KT36XA mast bracket and
they DON'T hold.
You can't tighten them enough without galling. I visited DX Engineering
while at Dayton this year and expressed my displeasure with their 5/16" vs
3/8" SS U-Bolts and they just shrugged.

I'm also looking for 2 1/2" x 3/8" SS or Galvanized U-Bolt source.

Joe - KC2TN