[TowerTalk] Restoring / Preserving Aluminum

[Keith Dutson]

>I use a Scotch-brite pad instead of steel wool; the steel wool will leave
minute particles of aluminum embeded on the elements.

I purchased a large pack of these pads from Sams Club.  They do a terrific
job cleaning both aluminum and copper.

>Mosley says that their compound is best because of their "Secret Sauce"
that they add; I have used NOALOX, made by Ideal for aluminum electrical
wire with good results.

I have used NOALOX, Penetrox and OXGARD, and all work just fine.

>I used a clear acrylic spray made by Krylon with good results; I took down
my TA-33JR after being up for four years and it looked the same as the day I
put it up.

Krylon is good stuff.  They also offer several colors.  Use non-gloss gray
or light brown to make the antenna more stealthy.

73, Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Gene WØQFC
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2005 9:11 AM
To: KT2Q; towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Restoring / Preserving Aluminum

1. What's the best product out there for cleaning, restoring and preserving
antenna aluminum? Brush-on? Spray-on? 

I use a Scotch-brite pad instead of steel wool; the steel wool will leave
minute particles of aluminum embeded on the elements.

2. Is penetrox the best way to prevent oxidation on balun connections etc?
Is it a good idea to spray connections with non-metalic paints after
applying penetrox?

Mosley says that their compound is best because of their "Secret Sauce" that
they add; I have used NOALOX, made by Ideal for aluminum electrical wire
with good results.

3. Noalox is still used for aluminum element connections and so on -- are
there any new and improved compounds? 

4. Do spray or brush-on aluminum preservative paints / laquers eventually
crack / peal? Anything available that doesn't?

I used a clear acrylic spray made by Krylon with good results; I took down
my TA-33JR after being up for four years and it looked the same as the day I
put it up.

The tower is a U.S. Tower model HD555. It's been up for 5 years. What
products are best for cable lubrication, cleaning greasing the tower section
contacts etc? There are a few small rust spots on the tower and steel mast
and was told that Naval grease will do the trick. Is rustoleum paint a good
product to use after rust removal?  

I used Rustoleum with very good results and the nice thing is that you do
not have to remove all of the rust - just wire brush the bad spots.
Hope this helps!

Gene, WØQFC