[TowerTalk] Fastener source (Was Looking for on-line source for tower bolts)

[Tower (K8RI)]

The problem with Lowes and HD are the prices.  There are pretty close to 10
times what I pay for graded bolts at the local industrial supplier.

I just discovered our local industrial supplier is on line at
http://www.almabolt.com/
Their outlet here in Midland is Prime Fastener.  I didn't realize they were
available on line.

I'd guess there are probably countless other industrial suppliers also on
line.
I've not spent any time on the page, but locally they sell by the box, or
individual nuts, bolts, and washers. As I said, their prices are far below
the packaged pair and small boxes available in the so called discount
storers. I haven't looked at their on-line prices.

No, I don't even own stock in them. Just a satisfied customer.

As an added note up through 45G most any bolt is strong enough including
ungraded, BUT
there is a good reason for using hot dipped galvanized. They are pretty much
trouble free.
The ROHN book warns against drilling out bolt holes in galvanized tower
legs.  If the bolt holes need to be enlarged and most do, use a taper
pin/alignment pin, or punch that will be of a size that allows you to fit
the punch about half the taper through the hole.

When I put my 45-G together I used three to fit the larger bolt holes.  The
smaller, upper bolts then were a tight slip fit. Once they were in a snug,
but not tight, I put the larger bolts in which ended up a slip fit as well.
Those taper pin punches are only $3 or $4 and well worth it.

73 and good luck

Roger Halstead (K8RI, EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
N833R, World's Oldest Debonair (S# CD-2)
www.rogerhalstead.com

> I have found a good assortment of stainless steel hardware at Lowes and
Home
> Depot.  Texas Towers might be a good place to check for specific tower
> hardware.  Talk to Gerald (owner).
>
> Keith NM5G

> Am looking for an on-line source for replacement tower bolts, pins, etc.
> Stainless, galvanized, high strength, etc. Anyone have a favorite place
that
> you've ordered from before and had a good experience? Am working on an old
> crankup tower and most of the hardware needs replacing.  The local
hardware
> stores don't carry a very good selection  of this type of thing.
>
> Thanks in advance & 73, Charles, K4ZRJ
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
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>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk