[TowerTalk] Amount of "Goop" to use in Telescoping Aluminum Tubing Connections?

[Dave Sublette]

I've never fretted about how much to use.  I have used rags, bare fingers,
and an old toothbrush to apply it.  If there is excess, it builds up as you
insert the element and you wipe it off.  I have never had a connection
problem and have taken many antennas apart after as long as 28 years
without a problem.  If the joint wants to be a bit sticky, bang it gently
with a block of wood.  Worst case, heat it with a propane torch then bang
it with a block of wood.

 In my experience I have used all of the mentioned goops without a
problem.  Just put the thing together and use it!

Dave, K4TO

On Tue, May 22, 2018 at 9:11 PM Gene Smar <ersmar at verizon.net> wrote:

> Rich:
>
>      When I built my HF Yagi (Bencher Skyhawk) in 2001, I followed the
> then-recommended practice from TowerTalk to use a minimal amount of
> No-Al-Ox on the elements joints.  I cleaned the inside of the larger tubing
> and outside of the smaller tubing with a Scotchbrite (R) scouring pad.  I
> used this plastic pad so as not to leave any traces of iron from steel wool
> pads on the aluminum surfaces that could cause galvanic corrosion from the
> dissimilar metals.
>
>      I applied a small amount of No-Al-Ox with the included brush to the
> mating surfaces and wiped it off thoroughly with a second, CLEAN
> Scotchbrite pad.  I used this second pad so as not to deposit into the
> No-Al-Ox the dirty material I had just removed from the aluminum with the
> first pad.  I telescoped the pieces of element tubing together and applied
> the requisite rivets to the joint.
>
>      I have not attempted to disassemble the Yagi yet so I can't attest to
> whether the No-Al-Ox was applied in sufficient or deficient quantity.  But
> so far I don't have to care.  The antenna still works for me.
>
>      YMMV.
>
>
> 73 de
> Gene Smar  AD3F
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> Richard Smith
> Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 8:04 PM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Amount of "Goop" to use in Telescoping Aluminum
> Tubing Connections?
>
> "Goop" = Penetrox, Noalox, Jet-Lube SS-30, or other
>
> A while back, there was a good discussion on this reflector of which goop
> is recommended for telescoping aluminum tubing connections in antennas. My
> question here is not intended to recap all of the "Which Goop is Better"
> points, but rather to ask how much goop to use. Over the years, I have
> heard recommendations from "very minimal" to "lots".
>
> I would be interested in recommendations from this very experienced group.
> The trade-offs in my mind are:
> Very minimal amount: Pros: Allows the aluminum to aluminum contact to
> provide the electrical connection. The goop provides some lubrication,
> maybe some corrosion protection.                                   Cons:
> Not enough corrosion protection, not much help in separating telescoping
> parts when desired years later.
> Lots of Goop:           Pros:  Assists in making a good electrical
> connection, provides more corrosion protection, easier to separate parts
> when desired years later
>                                 Cons:  Maybe too much lubrication, harder
> to get hose clamps tight enough to prevent unwanted slippage.
> Maybe this is very basic, but I am interested in your comments.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> 73, Rich, N6KT
>
>
>
>
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