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: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Al Wolfe Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 10:59 PM To: [email protected] 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
