[TowerTalk] PL-259 Electrical Joint Compound

[John Nitzke]

Weather-Proofing Grease: Another View

Hi Paul,

     Its working action is well-known, but the concept of dielectric grease always seemed counterproductive to me for a connection where I want a good, permanent, low-resistance connection.

     I’ve read the pros and cons, of conductive and non-conductive greases. I think I saw that same W8JL comparison back in the day. And I’m aware of fine performance from NoAlox and the others with tiny bits of metal to bite into the surfaces. However, I made a different choice.

     About 15 years ago I bought a 2.8 ounce tube of M.G. Chemicals’ carbon conductive grease. No metal, just carbon. Yes, itdoes conduct electricity. I started using it then to protect weather-exposed electrical joints, including coax connectors. I also applied it to car battery terminals and sparkplug connectors, all with no problems.

     And that same tube will likely last the rest of my life – it doesn’t take much for one joint – just a thin film.

     It is sold by Amazon and Digikey.

     One strong caution, though, protect clothing and wear gloves. It will never completely wash out of cloth and your fingers will be stained black for days,until the skin wears off.

          73 de KF1KI, -John

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Christensen <w9ac at arrl.net></w9ac at arrl.net>
Sent: Dec 4, 2023 8:21 AM
To: <towertalk at contesting.com></towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] PL-259 Electrical Joint Compound

After 15 years, a pair of PL-259 connectors have seized on their mating
SO-239 jacks used on an outdoor RF choke. Is there anything more suitable
than Penatrox-A which is Au/Cu rated? Ideally, I'd like to apply a
synthetic + conductive grease on the mating SO-239 threads.



Unrelated, but while investigating the coax connectors, the LMR400-Ultraflex
cable I installed about 15 years ago has started to decompose. At the time
of installation, I knew the Ultraflex version has a shorter life span but
wasn't expecting such severe decomposition. The jacket is crumbling due to
its rubber composition. This past weekend, I replaced it with gelled
LMR400-DB for direct burial, but it's installed above ground. Like the
original LMR400, the DB version has a rugged polyethylene (PE) jacket.



Paul, W9AC

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