[TowerTalk] Climbing mast

[Mike Ryan]

Those climbable masts were made by IIX Industries.
http://www.w9iix.com
They are still around, selling gin poles, side mounts, etc.  You can also 
just buy the steps themselves which go onto your own mast. Each has two U 
clamps....used them here. After the work is done you take them off and put 
them away for the next time.   -Mike

-----Original Message----- 
From: Patrick Greenlee
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2015 9:01 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Climbing mast

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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