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

[jimlux]

On 9/16/18 12:26 PM, jimlux wrote:
> 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.
>


I should point out that back in the 60s, they didn't have all these nice 
polymerics available at the local hardware store, like thread lockers 
and epoxy.

There's no reason to follow the "that's what we did when assembling 
Liberty Ships, and this newfangled stuff is no good"  - loctite (or it's 
generic equivalents) would almost certainly meet your need.