[TowerTalk] Separating Aluminum Boom Sections

[Stan Stockton]

I assume if the two pieces are 18 feet long each and the total length is actually 36 feet long that you have an outer sleeve rather than an inner one?  

After you get to a certain level of frustration cut the outer sleeve lengthwise to a depth that doesn’t cut through the smaller diameter, pry the larger diameter apart and pull the smaller ones out.  You will save the two 18 foot pieces and just have to get a new sleeve. Even if you cut the larger one too deep an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve should make it strong again.   

I suppose the same thing works with one that has an inner sleeve.  Regardless you might try a few inches at a time, starting at the center.  That would also make it easier to get your liquid lubricant where you want it.

If you are going to pull it apart, a 1/4” through hole about six inches from either end isn’t going to hurt anything.  You can use Grade 8 bolts and tie a loop from top to bottom of the bolts and pull with one end tied to a tree. That is assuming the wall thickness is 1/8”. If it’s irrigation tubing it might tear it.

73…Stan, k5GO



> On Mar 24, 2025, at 7:11 AM, john simmons <jasimmons at pinewooddata.com> wrote:
> 
> Put tension on it as below, then tap. Keep the tension on and if the tapping (lightly!) doesn't work, then put the oil/solvent on. Make the pull as straight as possible.
> 
> 73
> -de John NI0K
> 
> On 3/23/2025 7:56 PM, charlie carroll wrote:
> Bill:
> I had an almost identical problem many years ago.  A sturdy tree, strap, and come along did it for me.  No heat, no pounding, just plain old pull.
> 
> 73 charlie, k1xx
> 
> On 3/23/2025 7:51 PM, Bill Eisinger wrote:
> 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
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