[TowerTalk] Taking apart old beams

Cqtestk4xs at aol.com Cqtestk4xs at aol.com
Sat Feb 5 12:29:52 EST 2005


I have just taken down my 120' foot tower at XE2DV and the 5 antennas
mounted on it.  Now I need to get them apart to transport back to the
states where I will offer them for sale.  My problem is they have been
up in the air for almost 14 years and I could not get the telescoping
sections apart.  So here we go guys....what is the best method short
of a hacksaw to get the sections apart.
-- 
Tnx es 73
Dick W7ZR
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Of course the usual ways will be mentioned.....heat, various penetrating oils 
etc.  When all else fails I have used a 'battering ram' of sorts.  After 
loading up the joint with WD-40 or whatever, I place the element in a vise.  I 
then insert an aluminum or steel rod into the fat end of the aluminum tubing 
until it reaches the 'stuck' inserted piece.  I then proceed in banging the 
inserted rod with a hammer until I get some movement.  Then, I use a combination of 
banging, mixed with gripping the inserted end with grips and twisting from 
time to time, spraying with WD-40 juice.  Most of the time, this method works.

I had lots of practice after our hurricane season this year.  It is somewhat 
messy and caveman style, but it does work if the pieces are really weathered 
together.

Bill K4XS


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