[TowerTalk] Rohn EP instructions: "Stake all nuts"; what does it mean?

[jimlux]

On 9/16/18 11:12 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:

> What does "stake all nuts" refer to????
> I am imagining whacking them with a hammer or
> something ... but that can't be right?
> 
>

One approach is to deform the threads - just enough to keep the nut from 
backing off. A punch at the join between bolt and nut will work.

However, these days, there are better approaches - use some epoxy or 
threadlocker - There's types of Loctite that is designed to be applied 
before you assemble, let it dry, then assemble. Or kinds designed to be 
applied while you assemble (wet), or some that wicks in afterwards.

At JPL, we stake fasteners two ways - one is using something like 
solithane - a drop on the fastener threads, then assemble. It is sticky, 
so it prevents the screw coming out under vibe.

Solithane can cure at high temps fairly quickly, or at room temp over 
some amount of time. Assembling a tower I don't think you'll have an 
issue with cure time.

The other is a blob of epoxy on the head of the screw, or the nut, and 
the chassis or structural member. We use 2216 which is a gray two part 
that cures at room temperature. It's fairly soft when cured, so it can 
be scraped off.