[TowerTalk] Screws used in Element Construction

[K9MA]

I like the system used on the W3JK antenna I'm building right now.  It 
uses hex head machine screws with nylock nuts (UV-proof). The hole in 
one side of the outer section is drilled larger, so the screw head 
clears. The screw sizes go from 10-24 for the 1.25 tubing to 8-32 for 
the smaller ones.  I'm going one step further, and putting blue Loctite 
on all the screws. Needless to say, the screws and nuts must be stainless.

That said, when I refurbished my A3 a while ago, I put sheet metal 
screws in all the joints, in addition to the clamps. I used number 6 
screws, which seemed adequate. One could always put two of them in the 
larger sections.

73,
Scott K9MA


On 5/8/2019 20:08, Garry via TowerTalk wrote:
> Greetings all,
> I am rebuilding a 17 meter beam I built about 35 years ago. At the time I used slots and hose clamps where fastening element sections together but this time I am going to use sheet metal screws. My tubing sizes will taper from 1.125" down to .625" in 5 sections per side.
> I can't find any information on what size screws to use unless I'm just looking over it. I have seen a recommendation to use hex head screws rather than typical flat blade or phillips head due to possible damage to the screw head but nothing on screw size. I also wonder if self tapping would be a better option than standard sheet metal type.
> Any thoughts will be most appreciated.
> Thanks & 73,Garry - K4OR
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-- 
Scott  K9MA

k9ma at sdellington.us