[TowerTalk] Question regarding electrical connectivity of frozen telescoping aluminum tubing

[Gene Smar]

TT:

     Allow me to add one more tip that I learned from TowerTalk denizens
years ago.  Use TWO separate Scotch-brite pads when reassembling the antenna
tubing.  One is used to clean the inside and outside of tubing to be joined
and the other is to be used ONLY to rub into the mating surfaces the NoAlOx,
Jetlube or whatever anti-ox joint compound you have selected.  This second
pad ensures that no oxidized material gets deposited back into the now-clean
surfaces.

     And don't glob the anti-ox compound onto the surfaces.  Use it
sparingly.  


73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F


-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
john at kk9a.com
Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2019 3:27 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Question regarding electrical connectivity of
frozen telescoping aluminum tubing

I agree on both counts. Scotch-brite pads work well for cleaning up old
tubing. I have built many large homebrew Yagi's using old 6061 aluminum
tubing.  Steel wool can leave metal partials embedded into the aluminum that
can corrode, Scotch-brite has no steel. After owning a station in Aruba and
seeing the effects of severe corrosion, I try to avoid unnecessary
dissimilar metal contact.  Aluminum and copper are not close together on the
galvanic table.  I know that some of the big multi contest stations are
using copper anti-seize on their antennas but I use Penetrox.

John KK9A



Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


I would not use *either* steel wool or copper bearing anti-seize.  Both
copper and steel will set up electrolysis with the aluminum that will cause
future conductivity and mechanical problems.

Stick with thee scotch pad and an anti-seize made specifically for aluminum.

73,

     ... Joe, W4TV

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