[TowerTalk] Seized mast clamp bolts Hy-gain 10 meter yagi

[N4NW]

This is a common problem with stainless steel hardware referred to as 
thread galling.

You should have put anti-seize (on them before tightening.

See details about this in the book "UP THE TOWER"
or
http://www.estainlesssteel.com/gallingofstainless.html
or
http://www.mechanicsupport.com/bolt_torque.html

They will likely twist off so you may as well order the replacement 
from Hy-Gain

73's
Tom, N4NW



At 08:31 PM 1/3/2010, Dana Roode wrote:
>Howdy - I assembled a new LJ-105CA 5 element Hy-Gain yagi for 10
>meters this past week.  I put it up temporarily on a mast to work on
>it.  For some reason 3 of the 4 5" stainless steel bolts on the mast
>clamp seized to the nuts after I raised the yagi on the mast a few
>feet and tried to re-tighten them.
>
>Anyone know why this happens?  The bolts are new, although they have
>been in the box with the rest of the yagi parts for several years.
>The beam is also unbalanced at the mount point and that may have
>torqued the bolts as I was moving the beam around (BTW, is it worth
>trying to balance this yagi before it goes up?).
>
>When I replace the mast bolts, should I go with stainless steel as
>Hy-gain does or some other material?
>
>I also have the same antenna for 15 meters that is on top of a 45'
>military tower.  I noticed those bolts are seized as well when I
>checked to see if they were still tight.
>
>   Dana
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