[TowerTalk] Rohn Bolts

[StellarCAT]

I’ve done a good share of towers over the years – all R45 (soon that will include a 55) ... both new and used ... and I’m starting to put a new tower up at my new location. This is R45. It is used. I bought new Rohn (yes – Rohn) bolts and I’ve never had bolts that were SO tight before. These have a dimple on one side – actually a set of 3. I’m sure it’s a self locking mechanism. You can’t thread them on at all starting with the dimpled face – they won’t go – so I’m pretty sure I’m doing it the right way ... the small bolts went on with lots of effort seeming to strip the galvanizing off the bolt as they went on .. the large ones don’t want to go much more than when the dimple gets on to the bolt. 

Is this correct? Should I expect this much effort now with their new bolts? Boy if one had to put up a good deal of sticks in a day their arms would feel it at the end of it. Hate to have to haul an air wrench up there :>)

Gary 
K9RX

[I called Hill Radio, where I got the bolts, and they called Rohn while I was on the phone (I didn’t talk to Rohn myself) ... Rohn says yeah they’re tight but should be doable. They also said I’m probably putting them on backwards – which isn’t possible as you can’t even thread them on on the dimple side!]