On Wed, 7 Sep 2005 22:02:12 -0500, wrote:

Mike:

One thing that no one will tell you is why manufacturers use plated hardware
which rusts instead of stainless. Cost? No. Stainless will not stay tight,
while plated hardware will rust up and then never loosen. So, if you use
stainless, it is highly desirable to use Nylon insert locknuts or else
carefully double nut everything, and add Loctite before assembly. It is no
fun finding another piece of the antenna at the bottom of the tower every
day after the wind blows a while.

George, I wonder if you tried lubricating the ss parts before
assembly.

Stainess threaded parts are well known for galling, and can bind
before properly tensioning the fastener. It is a widely debated topic,
but common advice is to lubricate the parts. Google for debate on what
to use (wax, WD40, grease, moly etc)

My experience is that stainless threads should be lubricated whenever
used with nyloc nuts to reduce heat damage and galling of the nyloc
insert. Marine grease seems to work fine, and it doesn't seem to
unduly upset the prevailing torgue characteristics.

Mike, ss hoseclamps on telescoping tubes with split ends seems to work
fine. Put a bit of marine grease on the worm in the hoseclamp. I think
you are less likely to crush the tube than through-bolting it.
Remember that the joint is going to flex to some extent. A little bit
of corrosion inhibitor in the slip joint will help maintain a good
connnection through life... depends on the environment as to the
necessity to to this.

FWIW.

Owen
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