[TowerTalk] How do you separate aluminium tubes that are stuck together ?

[Dan Hearn]

I separated the sections of a stuck 3" boom by pulling on the two ends as
follows:  There was a thru hole for a bolt on each end. I connected a short
chain to a bolt thru the holes in each end. One chain went around a tree and
the other to my small tractor. A gradually increasing pull on the end did
the job. One could drill a bolt hole in each end if necessary. I think a car
with a trailer hitch would do the job. This was done after trying the lube
idea and manual pulling and twisting did not work. It came apart easily
using this scheme.
73, Dan, N5AR

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Doug Renwick
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 7:53 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] How do you separate aluminium tubes that are stuck
together ?


Below is the best method.  I have used PVC tubing as a ram rod with good
results.

Doug/VA5DX

A method I've used with excellent results is to lubricate the aluminum
tubes as best as possible, then hammer the end of the stuck tube from
the inside of the larger tube.  This can be done with a slightly smaller
diameter tube that slides easily inside the larger diameter tubing.

I suggest you do not twist the tubes, there's a significant risk of
galling and cold welding the tubes if you do.

73!
Frank
W3LPL


--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.14.16/552 - Release Date:
26/11/2006 11:30 AM