[TowerTalk] Climbing mast

[Patrick Greenlee]

Mike, I don't know about masts with steps but mast steps are readily 
available from chandeliers  (outfitters for ships/boats.)   Mast steps 
are available in various designs and materials.  Forget the folding mast 
steps as folding is likely an unneeded feature with considerable added 
expense.  Stainless steel non folding steps aren't free either but what 
is your convenience and personal safety worth?

Here is one source of many... 
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--stainless-mast-steps--110742

The simple triangulated design is very stout and easily handled as a DIY 
project if you are at all handy.  With a little "sweat equity" you can 
save a significant quantity of fun tickets (AKA $) and build your own.  
Blind rivets of stainless steel are an excellent choice for fasteners.  
The larger sizes of SS blind (pop) rivets are a challenge with the 
standard "el cheapo" hand riveter.  Harbor Freight has a larger HD 
variety that would make it easier to do a good job.

Don't forget to stiffen the tread with an angle or channel shape or 
other weather resistant material. The West Marine product uses teak, 
commenting it is for non slip tread but is also stiffens the tread. For 
nonskid tread get the peel and stick non slip matereial at the big box 
stores or put on a coat of paint, sprinkle it with silica sand or 
crushed walnut shell.  When dry top coat lightly with same paint.  For 
excellent traction use course silica sand.

Patrick        NJ5G





On 12/2/2015 7:29 AM, Mike Reublin NF4L wrote:
> Anybody remember who made the masts with steps? Are they still made?
>
> 73, Mike NF4L
>
>
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