[TowerTalk] Saddle clamps (muffler clamps)

[Steve NR4M]

Hello Gary,

Good luck on finding something.

Years ago, I was not happy with my choices.  I just can not see paying 
~$15 for a SS U-bolt and 'part-the-way-around' saddle.  Don't know the 
alloy of the SS material, but you can bet it's not the best stuff out there.
But, what really gripes me is because of the high coefficient of 
adhesion, stainless galls and seizes sooo easily.  If I really NEED to 
use SS, I consider it a 'one use' item..  I have not found a anti seize 
compound that works well enough, or LONG ENOUGH, to alleviate this problem.
All may be fine now, but try and take the U-bolt apart in 5 years.

Doesn't help you, but my solution was to have custom U-bolts made in 
quantity, in several sizes, with a hot dipped galvanized coating.  Never 
had one fail; never had one gall.  I found a place in FL that makes what 
I want.

For saddles, I make my own from billet 6061-T6 aluminum 3/4 of an inch 
thick, and just shy of a half circle.  These things hold super tight.
Fortunate to be a retired machinist and have a Bridgeport milling 
machine.  Wish I had a CNC machine, but not too bad doing 50 at a time.

Good luck.

73 de Steve, NR4M

On 6/29/2017 22:53, Gary Schafer wrote:
> I am looking for some 2" and 3" saddle clamps (muffler clamps) to replace
> all the boom to element plate clamps on the 40 meter beam.
>
> What is the best type, galvanized, zinc plated or just plain steel?
> Also where do you guys buy them?
>
> Thanks
> Gary  K4FMX
>
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-- 
73 de Steve, NR4M