[TowerTalk] Mast Steps

[Grant Saviers]

Sailboat mast steps are available.  One style  
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=11151&partNumber=110742&langId=-1  
Some nice features - boots can't slip off sideways, and falling items, 
lines, coax won't catch on them.

These could work by screwing the step top and bottom to an angle steel 
used as the clamp for galvanized  u-bolts top and bottom.  On a sailboat 
the mounting screw holes are drilled and tapped into the aluminum mast.  
I wouldn't recommend that technique in a alloy tower mast unless the 
drilling and tapping was done on a Bridgeport etc.with the right tooling 
for alloy steel.  And then there is the stress concentration from the 
holes in the mast, not so good.

You could probably this design made to order by a railing shop from 1/4 
x 1 1/2' flat bar, weld the drilled steel angle u-bolt cross piece to 
them and then get them hot dip galvanized.

There are also cast aluminum fold up mast steps for sailboats, but I 
think not such a good idea from a safety perspective.

Grant  KZ1W

On 12/19/2011 8:02 AM, Joseph or Ruth Patrick wrote:
> Hey Chuck
>
>   I am fairly certain that company's don't manufacture mast steps is because of
> the liability issues. That being said I would take all the recommendation's you
> have been presented with and design your own mast steps then build them
> yourself. I  have climbed a few mast steps in my time. My suggestion is to over
> engineer them so you feel most comfortable while using them. If I have to worry
> about a piece of equipment that I am using while climbing a tower or mast, then
> I just don't use it. If your not %110 OK on  the function of a piece of safety
> equipment then you will be distracted. Maybe just a little, but a little is all
> it takes. This is just my opinion and in no way is to be taken as what you
> should do. All situations are different and should be treated as so. Careful
> examination, planning and good help almost always works better. we use the 6
> P'S. PRIOR PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS PISS POOR RESULTS. Good luck. Merry
> Christmas to all.
>   73 DE K4XZ Joe Patrick
> God Made Man
> Sam Colt Made Them Equal
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