[TowerTalk] US Tower Problems

[Alan NV8A]

On 04/20/07 04:54 pm Alan NV8A wrote:

> On 04/20/07 01:53 pm jcowens1 at comcast.net wrote:
> 
>>> I have had the same problem you are having with the stall upon raising the 
>>> tower and have resorted to doing the same thing you do. If I briefly lower the 
>>> tower and then switch to raising, it usually takes off and raises the tower. 
>>> Once it is under way, it doesn't hesitate or stall the rest of the way up. There 
>>> is friction between the various sections and they told me to use bees wax on the 
>>> tower areas where there is abnormal friction. I bought some and put it on and it 
>>> did help the situation. 
>>>
>>> I don't have the docs. in front of me at the moment, but I thought they 
>>> said to use automotive grease. They do NOT recommend automotive grease. They specifically recommended against using oil or lube, but recommend bees wax which is why I used it in the first place and it does help. Bees wax can be bought from a good hobby shop (used in floral aarrangements) and the block I bought for around $10 will last me a lifetime. Grease will collect dirt and only make the problem worse over time. 
> 
> I do now have the docs. in front of me, and on the back of the page 
> headed "Installation and Maintenance Instructions" which I received from 
> UST in October 2006 are the following words:
> 
> "Like anything that is subjected to constant weathering, your tower, 
> raising fixture, and accessories must be inspected regularly for signs 
> of wear and corrosion. . . . A thorough inspection immediately after 
> every storm is always necessary. In addition, all moving parts should be 
> well lubricated with _conventional automotive grease_ (or equivalent) at 
> least twice a year." (3rd. paragraph; emphasis added)

 From private correspondence I have received, it appears that UST no 
longer recommends using grease but has not yet updated its docs.

73

Alan NV8A