Advice from several gurus as garnered from the news groups over time.

For cleaning aluminum tubing, an antenna guru recommends the use of #0 steel
wool, along with dishwashing detergent. Another guru prefers Scotch Bright.
First wet the aluminum tubing with water and wet the steel wool. Add a small
amount of dishwashing detergent to the steel wool and then scrub the
aluminum. Rinse out the steel wool periodically with water. Then add more
dishwashing detergent to the steel wool and clean again. Rinse off the
aluminum tubing periodically. After cleaning a piece of aluminum tubing,
rinse it thoroughly with clean water and then dry it off with a clean rag.



When assembling an antenna, apply a very thin film of Penetrox-A
anti-oxidant to all of the aluminum-to-aluminum connections. Unless you
totally disassemble and clean the traps, never attempt to clean the outer
aluminum shells of antenna traps as water and steel wool fragments can enter
the traps causing shorts and excessive trap moisture content. When
assembling any aluminum antenna, put a thin layer of based-based anti-seize
compound on all aluminum to aluminum joints.



These are Penetrox-A from the Burndy Corporation or another is Noalox. Never
varnish any antenna - the varnish penetrates into the joints and causes
continuity problems. Painting antennas for stealth can be done. Disassemble
the antenna, apply paint, then scrape away any paint where the aluminum
makes an electrical connection. When restoring an old antenna, consider
replacing all the hardware (nuts & bolts) with stainless steel.


--
The Anon Keyboard
I doubt, therefore I might be



"Tam/WB2TT" wrote in message
...

"PDRUNEN" wrote in message
...
Hi Group,

What is the best cleaner to shine up my 2 meter beam?

de KJ4UO

You might try Noxon liquid (available in grocery stores) and a rag.
Probably
easier to use than any kind of pad. I would also dismantle the driven
element, and clean off with steel wool any portion that gets
clamped/bolted
together.

Tam/WB2TT