[TowerTalk] Two tools to tighten PL-259 connector shells in tight areas

[Tim Duffy K3LR]

>From extensive experience in Amateur Radio applications and commercial
installations - Even connectors tightened under controlled conditions can
loosen by being outside and going through temperature variations of more
than 50 degrees) along with normal tower shaking (resonance at low wind
speeds).

The spark plug pliers (not spark plug wrench) work perfect in this
application of tightening PL-259 shells. I am not tightening a nut, so the
pliers grab enough circular area of the PL-259 shell to hold while turning
to tight - or re tight - in a tight cluster of connectors. Any more holding
power torque could damage the connector shell.

73,
Tim K3LR

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Rick Karlquist
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 11:49 AM
To: k3lr at k3lr.com
Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Two tools to tighten PL-259 connector shells in
tight areas

Tim Duffy K3LR wrote:
> A few months ago I asked a question on this reflector about tools that
> would
> help tighten PL-259 connectors on remote coax switches, four square boxes,
> stacking boxes, etc. Anywhere there is a tightly grouped cluster of SO-239

My preferred solution is to install permanent short (~1 foot) jumpers on
hard to get to connectors on the box.  These can be installed in
consecutive order on the bench and tightened very securely under
the best conditions.  Once the box is pigtailed, then any field
tightening is being done on in-line connections and is easily done
with visegrips.

The spark plug pliers are for pulling spark plugs, not turning
them.  You still need a spark plug wrench for that.  I can't see
how spark plug pliers would be able to tighten a nut.

Rick N6RK

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