[TowerTalk] Separating Aluminum Boom Sections

[Bill Eisinger]

Thanks to all who offered suggestions...I figured out that I had a couple trees appropriately spaced and I was able to attach each end to a tree (via thru bolts in the boom) and, with the aid of a come-along was able to get the sections apart...even with the come-along it took a bit to pull them apart...interestingly enough, I had thoroughly coated the joint with anti-seize back when I assembled the antenna but I guess 25 years is too much for that!

For anybody interested this is an M2 40m-10m "Skip Log" that is going to be for sale shortly as soon as I get it cleaned up and packed for shipment including new stainless steel nuts and bolts. It's been a great antenna...having 40-10 on a single boom was the attraction...I'm on the Honor Roll as a result of it but have decided to go with something with a bit more gain..i.e. a Steppir...going from something with absolutely zero maintenance to something that requires a bit of attention now and then but what the heck!

73's,
Bill, AA7X
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From: Bill Eisinger <Bill at theeisingers.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2025 5:51 PM
To: Tower Talk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: Separating Aluminum Boom Sections

Hello- I'm trying to pull apart two sections of an antenna 3" aluminum boom...each section is 18' long so the total length is 36' which makes it a bit unwieldly obviously. The antenna was in the air for 25+ years and the boom pieces have managed to weld themselves together.

Anybody have any ideas how to separate them?...I've tried heat, banging on it, etc, etc...because of the size there's no easy way to clamp one end that I can figure out. I've seen tools for separating muffler pipes but nothing for 3".

Any suggestions appreciated.

73's
Bill, AA7X