[TowerTalk] GRADE 5 BOLTS
Keith Dutson
kdutson at sbcglobal.net
Fri Sep 29 13:48:00 EDT 2006
Here is a post from Texas Towers on bolts for 25G:
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-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of TexasRF at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 9:46 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Proper bolt sizes for Rohn 25G
For many years Rohn has supplied Grade 5 electroplated bolts with 25G
sections. These bolts are in no way special or different from what you can
purchase at a good hardware supplier. In fact, last year I needed some for a
project and Rohn/Radian was not yet shipping, I found exact replacements at
Home Depot for about 50 cents each.
The joint bolts for 45G, 55G and larger towers are hot dip galvanized and
in this respect are special/different from the usual hardware sources. The
galvanizing requires use of special over size nuts for everything to fit
properly. The galvanizing also makes for a tighter fit in the leg joint
which is a good thing.
73,
Gerald/K5GW
Texas Towers
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73, Keith NM5G
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of K8RI on TowerTalk
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 12:32 PM
To: 'towertalk'
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] GRADE 5 BOLTS
>> If you are concerned about strength, you might want to consider GRADE
>> 8 bolts, which are much stronger than the 'normal' grade 5.
>> Both ACE and HD have these in stock. . . .
>>
>
> However Grade 8 doesn't have the same properties as Grade 5, it is
> much more brittle for example. I've used stainless with no noticeable
> trouble, and
Grade 8 are much stronger than grade 5 and they are "harder". I'd not call
them brittle though.
> I've used galvanized (though they were longer since getting the exact
> length is a challenge) but it would be wiser to stick with what the
> engineers designed for the product.
Likewise I'd stick with the galvanized, but I have no problem using SS
either and they are easier to work with with one exception. Bolts on a
tower should be installed "dry" if they are torqued. Adding lube to the
threads means you are going to get a lot more compression for the specific
reading on the wrench. Please note wrench is spelled with an "r". <:-))
>
> The hardware is available direct from Radian/Rohn or suppliers such as
> TESSCO.
If you have a local supplier/wholesaler that will sell to the public you can
purchase those bolts by the box of a hundred for about the same as a half
dozen to dozen at any of these other places. Locally we have Alma Bolt
(Prime Fastener) who also are on the web (I have no connection to them other
than spending a lot of money there) Grade 5 galvanized should be plenty
more than sufficient and you'll be able to get them apart. Do not use "cad
plated" as they will rust very quickly
Typically when I need some screws, bolts, or other hardware I purchase it by
the box so I'd building quite a supply. Currently I have them on shelving
and in some drawers but the cabinets weren't designed to support that much
weight. <:-)) BTW these are costing me only about 10 to 15% of what they
would have in small lots at ACE, Lowe's, Home Depot, ... etc...
Roger Halstead (K8RI and ARRL 40 year Life Member) N833R - World's oldest
Debonair CD-2 www.rogerhalstead.com (Use return address from home page)
>
> Good luck!
>
> _______________________________________________
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