[TowerTalk] FW: Thrust Bearing - again!

[Tommy Alderman]

Thanks Ken. 

I am not knocking the TB3. Actually I do not know enough about reliability
in tower hardware and that is why I was asking the question. The
recommendation to switch from the TB3 to the Peer bearing came from a very
reputable tower/yagi/etc. commercial vendor. I looked at the AN Wireless web
site and they do in fact, use these Peer bearings. The Peer bearings are a
few dollars less expensive than the TB3, but I am after reliability.

Anyway I appreciate your input.

73,

Tom - W4BQF


-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Kenneth R. Goodwin,
Jr.
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 6:36 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] FW: Thrust Bearing - again!

Bad assumption, the TB3s don't rust EXCEPT the set screw which holds 
the ball bearings.  I have two on my tower, one is over 25 years old, 
I live next to the Gulf of Mexico (granted I do have some extra 
lubricant these days) but the only rust I had was the set screw which 
I replaced with a stainless steel version and the hold down bolts 
which again I switched to stainless steel.  Now the birds love to 
unload on them so they are never pretty when I take a picture but if 
interested I do have a picture of the 25 year old one.  I do spray 
them with cold galvanizing paint but maybe twice in the last 20 
years.  I do recommend some form of small umbrella (protection) over 
the bearing to keep the majority of the rain and dirt away from it, 
no reason to handicap the situation.  I think you guys are getting 
worked up over nothing ( a classic Internet phenomena ).  I suspect 
the TB3's have been around for over 40 years which must tell us 
something.  You can do better but for the reliability, longevity and 
low maintenance under the correct loads, the TB3 is hard to beat.  Ken K5RG

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