[TowerTalk] Aluminum Boom Lubricant: Yes or Nope?

[W7TMT - Patrick]

A product that is the mainstay in the marine world for preventing dissimilar corrosion and binding is TefGel. On sailboats the masts are mostly aluminum and all the hardware attached is stainless steel and affixed with stainless fasteners. The aluminum to SS corrosion issue is well known. Here in the saltwater environment the parts live 24/7 in a saltwater fog. 

I just removed the base of a winch that I last installed 12 years ago. Its location is such that in heavy weather it has on many occasions been washed with saltwater coming over the bow. It came apart effortlessly with no more torque required than if it had been stored in a garage for that time. I also saw this compound used in the aerospace/defense industry where I worked for 35 years. In addition to applications that are certain to see saltwater exposure, I use it on all SS bolt/nuts to prevent galling. 

Might be worth a look to see if it meets your needs. It is a mainstay for dissimilar metal protection in the marine world. Not cheap but amazing effective.


https://ultratef-gel.com/


73
Patrick, W7TMT

-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Steve Harrison
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2025 07:34
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Aluminum Boom Lubricant: Yes or Nope?

What is the collective Wisdom concerning the use of an aluminum-to-aluminum lubricant (such as Penetrox) between boom pieces, one of which is swaged? I am reassembling several older monobanders but using OWA dimensions here in the desert (no salt water corrosion). We have nearly-continuous mild-to-heavy winds, 10 - 15 to 45 - 60 mph, nearly year round, so the boom pieces must be solidly bolted together; yet, I'd like the option of being able to take them apart again at some time in the future.

TNX,

Steve K0XP


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