Ron, Sure, I would go with galvanized all-thread and other hardware, but only if they were "hot-dip galvanized" which is the standard for hardware used by electrical utilities. Hot-dip galvanized threaded rod is actually threaded undersize and then galvanized- the zinc coating increases the diameter by a small amount. Ordinary galvanized all-thread rod is the more common version found in some hardware stores and home centers, and has the threading done after galvanizing. Such rods are extremely prone to corrosion cracks in the valleys of the thread, since they are bare metal at that location.
Major communications supply houses like Tessco, Talley, and Hutton carry mounting hardware for tower applications. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -----Original Message----- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Wright Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 11:15 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: antenna mounting hardware Eric, Thanks for the tip on the supplier. I would prefer the galvanized and fixed hardware for this, but might consider the all-threaded stock. Probably half dozen/six of the other. 73, ron, n9ee/r >From: Eric Lemmon <[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:wb6fly%40verizon.net> > >Date: 2008/07/13 Sun PM 12:56:00 EDT >To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com> >Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: antenna mounting hardware > >Al and Ron, > >I would prefer to use stainless steel threaded rod. washers, and nuts for >this application. Such materials are readily available from McMaster-Carr >and other industrial suppliers. For example, a six-foot length of 5/8-11 >all-thread made of 316 stainless steel costs about $82, and shorter lengths >are available. McMaster-Carr also sells both round-end and square-end >stainless-steel U-bolts. You won't find this stuff at your local hardware >store. More info here: ><www.mcmaster.com> > >73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY > > >-----Original Message----- >From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com> >[mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Al Wolfe >Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 10:59 PM >To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com> >Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: antenna mounting hardware > >Ron, >I've often used "All-Thread" for U bolts and V bolts, you know, the >continuously threaded rod often found at the local hardware store. The >all-thread is easily wrapped around a piece of pipe or angle by putting one >end into a vise and inserting the other end part way into a short section of > >3/4" pipe or conduit and bent into shape around a mandrel. One might need to > >apply some heat to the rod if the bending angle is really sharp, but I've >never had to with the ones I've delt with. > >The all-thread comes in many sizes and lengths and is easily cut to size >with a hacksaw. (Do this only after it is bent to shape and some nuts >screwed on before cutting!) The V shaped grooves of the all-thread bite into > >the tower leg and don't slip. > >Last year I disassembled an AM broadcast skirt antenna that I installed >in 1975 using hardware held together with the all-thead U bolts I made back >then. This was on a tower with four inch diameter legs. The tower was >rusting from the inside of the legs and needed to be replaced but the 1/2" >all-thread was still in perfect shape more than thirty years later. > >It goes without saying that these bolts need to be kept painted as they >are bare steel. I used Rustoleum for this. After the first coat they got >repainted every time we had the tower painted. > >Good luck, >Al, K9SI > >> Does anyone know of a source or V-clamps or the like >> for 5.25" legs??? > >> This has to be hardware that will last 20 years and not >> hose clamps which I have. >> 73, ron, n9ee/r > > Ron Wright, N9EE 727-376-6575 MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL No tone, all are welcome.