W7TI wrote in
:

On Sat, 26 Jul 2003 13:02:35 GMT, "Robert McCown"
wrote:

Is is a bad thing to hold twin lead 450 ohm feedline in place with
staples? I'm thinking the kind that come from a staple gun or the
insulated ones you drive with a hammer.
If not, should I put the staples through the dielectric or over the
wires? Thanks.
Bob AB0OD


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As long as you don't damage the dielectric, it should be ok. I've
installed thousands of feet of twinlead for TV reception using staples
and never had a problem.

For transmitting, you must keep in mind any possible arcing due to
damaged dielectric, but the mere presence of a metallic staple should
not make any difference in SWR or losses.


Ideally, the twin lead should not touch walls. It was always mounted using
those insulated screw-in standoffs.