[TowerTalk] Base bolts for UST HDX-572MDPL

[Jim Thomson]

###  Don’t mess with the UST 1 x 27 inch  bolts.  Since they are  not galvanized
they wont last very long.   Galvanized NUTS  will make a sloppy fit on any 
NON galvanized  anchor rod !    And if you use NON galvanized NUTS  on any
NON galvanized anchor rods... both will simply rust.  Then you will have one helluva
time trying to tweak the nuts ...down the road. 

##  27 inch long anchor bolts  are not long enough .  You have 6 inchs of that sticking above the
finished concrete.  And the concrete can be as much as 6-8 inchs above the lawn.   In which case,
the bottom of the bolts are only   13-15 inchs below the level of the lawn, imo = fubar. 

##  I used  60 inch long, galvanized anchor rods,  104 ksi  strength, ASTM F1554 Gd 104,
and had a 6 inch thread   cut on EACH end.    To increase the uplift capacity by a huge amount,
install the mating rectangular  galvanized steel plate on the bottom of each pair of anchor rods.

##  I bought mine from  from Portland Bolt..in Portland Ore..one of the biggest suppliers of
anchor rods.  They will make em any length you want.  Get the mating heavy duty galvanized
nuts and  galvanized  hardened flat washers. The heavy duty nuts are slightly bigger than normal. 
They will also supply you with the mating rect plates if you tell em the exact dimensions  you want...
and exact  C to C hole spacing.   A  1 inch  anchor  rod will  require 1.125 inch holes be punched 
in the rect plates.   So 3 plates  in total required.  

##  Then use never seize on all threads..at both ends of all rods.  The rectangular steel plates can be
installed well  beforehand..and cranked super tight.    Use a concrete vibrator when pouring the 
concrete.   I used 5075 psi concrete.   Cover the cement with old bed sheets etc...and keep it moist
while curing, using a fine spay every 1-2 hrs....for several hrs.....esp on a hot day. 

##  The ONLY thing holding the tower to the cement is those  anchor rods. That’s the absolute last place
you want to go cheap.  Portland Bolt is the biggest supplier of anchor rods on the west coast.  There is
a similar co on the east coast that  will supply the same product.  Portland bolt also has free shipping
on their anchor rods...so you can get the entire mess,  rods, nuts , flat washers, plates, etc... shipped
all in one shipment.   Get  a couple of  extra nuts + washers... in case of any problems.   You will 
need 4 x nuts and 4 x washers at the bottom of each  pair of rod assy.  Ditto for the tops of   rods. 
24 x nuts,   24 x flat washers.   So order  26 of each. 

later.......... Jim  VE7RF







Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:07:32 -0400
From: Les Kalmus <w2lk at bk-lk.com>
To: TowerTalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Base bolts for UST HDX-572MDPL

I will be installing a UST HDX-572MDPL in a month or so.
The UST FAQ calls for 1"x27" anchor bolts; ATSM F1554 Gd.55.

I had gone through many of the very interesting TT archives where anchor 
bolts were discussed but it's unclear to me if they have to be 
galvanized. Do they?

I am in NY State near Kingston.
Can anyone recommend a place on the East Coast where I can get these and 
they will actually know what I am talking about and I don't have to be 
in the trade?

Thanks,

Les W2LK