[TowerTalk] Never-Seez and noalox?

[Jim Thomson]

Date: Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:29:39 -0500
From: "Roger (K8RI)" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Never-Seez and noalox?


I'd not use any lube on tower joints, or any material that would reduce 
the gripping action of the leg overlap as that would reduce the over all 
tower strength and put more load on the bolts, which could lead to the 
elongation of the bolt holes.

Also when use on bolt threads the torque required for a specific linear 
pull on the bolt is reduced substantially. In compression on a tower 
leg  never-seez on the threads can lead a greatly increased crushing 
force on the tower legs. That needs to be taken into account when used 
on tower bolts.

73

Roger (K8RI)

##  There is nothing wrong with using never seize on tower leg bolts, done all the time.
Portland bolt engs tell me that when bolts are lubricated, you need  no where near the
torque to get the same amount of tightness.   Tightness and torque are 2  x different things!
EG:  a 3/8"  g-5 bolt  requires  38 ft lbs of torque when 'dry'..... but only 23 ft lbs  when
lubricated.   Now if Joe ham lubricates the bolts [and mating nuts]... and uses 38 ft lbs of
torque, you will have over tightened the  bolt !   The engs also told me that to use those
max torque figures they provide for the bigger bolts with caution..esp  when UN lubricated.
They tell me they break bolts all day long in the lab, when those UN lubricated max torque
numbers are used.  I lube all bolts  [ and nuts]  with lockite brand  never seize.   The marine grade
brand offered by most  'never seize'  makers  is the best you can get.  Made for fresh and salt water
environments. [IE:  rain  for typ ham use]. 

##  On both tower legs bolts  like rohn 45-55 legs..and also  typ  al booms  used for ants, there is no need
to crank bolts  super tight.   You get em so tight, and after that, the tightness  drops off... since you are then
just  crushing the tubing.   On F-12 al booms, they use a combo of 3/16"  solid AL rivets and  1/4"  SS bolts
[with SS nylocks].   I supplement the 1/4"  SS bolts  with another 8 x 3/16"  solid AL rivets.  

##  I use  never seize on all  SS bolts and screws, when used outside..esp when SS nylocks used,  other wise
SS  will gaul the threads. 

later...  Jim   VE7RF