[TowerTalk] Ground rod sticker shock

[Rob Atkinson, K5UJ]

I went to Home Despot yesterday to pick up a few little odds and ends for my 
next antenna project.  About 9 months ago, their 5/8"  8 foot long ground 
rods were going for around 8 dollars.  Now they are up to 14 bucks!  The 10 
foot long 3/4 inch rods are around twenty.  They were $12 or so a few months 
ago.  I can only guess the copper for the cladding got real expensive since 
I have heard copper has gone up but this is almost double the old price.

The general cost of hardware is unreal.  I bought just a few little nut and 
bolt type items--a file and handle for it, some cable ties, heat shrink 
tubing, drill bit, the rod, couple of clamps and a 10' long pvc pipe.  I 
prepared for the shock (I figured the total would be more than I 
expected--it always is) so since I figured all this should be $25 I prepared 
for $35.  When the clerk rang it all up, it came to 49 bucks!!  It has 
gotten to the point that even a simple little basic antenna is an 
investment.  thanks for letting me vent.
73,
rob/k5uj

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