[TowerTalk] Screws used in Element Construction

[K9MA]

The last time I worked on the A3, I found that the hose clamps just 
wouldn't hold the tubing securely enough that I couldn't easily move it, 
so I added the sheet metal screws.  (The hose clamps did somehow manage 
to be secure enough for over 20 years, though.)

73,
Scott K9MA



On 5/9/2019 08:40, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> Personally I like hose clamps however you have to get quality ones 
> with a wide band and stainless steel screw. It is unlikely that you 
> will find these at the big box stores. Why do you want to change this 
> clamping method? The only issue that I have seen with them is in 
> highly corrosive environments where the aluminum and stainless steel 
> do not play nicely with each other.  I have also use screws but with 
> nuts and though the entire tube, with the outer one slit just as you 
> have and it worked well. On occasion, usually with large heavy tubing, 
> I have used the SHCS method that K5GO just described and it is a good 
> method. I would not just use a sheet metal screw though a single wall 
> of each tubing. I am not sure how well they would hold, especially 
> with the antenna elements vibrating in the wind.
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> Garry K4OR 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