[TowerTalk] Turnbuckles with Rod Sides

Roger (K8RI) on TT K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net
Mon Sep 11 16:38:44 EDT 2017


When using turnbuckles, *don't forget to safety wire them*.  I have 
never seen a ham safety wire a turnbuckle.
Withe the loads we "normally" put on them, even the cheap imports are 
"normally" sufficient. Don't use the Aluminum rod turnbuckles.  The 
threaded area making contact will corrode and they will come apart.

In most cases the safety wire will never be used, but they are good 
insurance for those "just-in-case" moments. Safety wire is like any 
insurance. We hope to never need it, but if we do, we are glad to have it.

Our location is well above the flood plain, but we still have flood 
insurance. The sump pump failed with the result being a foot of water in 
the basement. Cost was over five grand. Our cost was $500. If a guy 
fails, what would be the cost to replace the tower and antennas?  It 
costs little except time to safety wire turnbuckles, potentially saving 
thousands.

73, Roger (K8RI)

On 9/10/2017 Sunday 3:17 PM, Byron wrote:
> Thanks for replies-
>      I apologize for not measuring the rods before posting. I just glanced at the turnbuckles when I was over at my friends. I called and had him  caliper one of the side rods and it measures 0.635” OD.
>      These turnbuckles are all one-piece forged – if you can envision a large, tapered, round piece at each end, threaded for ¾” x 9” long eye-bolt  pieces – large enough that a pair of  0.635” rods are forged to its underside, side by side, with ample room inbetween the rods for the ¾” threaded eye-bolt pieces.
>     I could not find a picture of these anywhere on the net. The eyes on each end are circular, forged and look like the Chicago built ones. In essence these just have rods versus a rectangular piece for the “sides”.
>     These turnbuckles are tightened in conventional manner by placing flat bar inbetween rods and turning, just like you would do on the ones that have the rectangular slats for sides. The rods, being 5/8” OD, are sufficiently stiff enough for this style tightening. The threaded ends are round with no wrench flats.
>    I saw some of these years ago at an OT’s residence that in years past had substantial towers (150’ to 175’) up using them. I was always curious about them and now that a friend has offered me some NOS ones I thought I would ask. I believe these were made years before the flood of the cheaper grade ones you see now. The galvanizing on them is still in great shape. I just can’t find any markings on them other than the “3/4”. Just thought I would ask, thanks, Byron W5FH
>
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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