[amsat-bb] Re: Arrow antenna will not unscrew, help

[Art McBride]

Bill,
A product called Kroil from Kano Labs is the best penetrate I have found.
Some heat helps too, but not enough to anneal the aluminum.

Art,
KC6UQH

-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On
Behalf Of B J
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 9:32 AM
To: Bill Dzurilla
Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Arrow antenna will not unscrew, help

<snip>

> We are leaving today for Europe and
> of course I waited until the last minute to take down my
> Arrow antenna, which has been mounted outside for about a
> year.  But, when I attempted to unscrew the elements,
> they would not budge, even after receiving a big dose of
> WD-40.  And the elements are not that solid so it's not
> possible to use a great deal of force.
> 
> Is there some trick to unscrewing these things?

<snip>

I've loosened corroded threads after applying penetrating oil and then
*gently* applying torque.  Usually I was successful, though I sometimes had
to repeat the process.

After disassembling the elements, it might be a good idea to remove the
threaded stud and run a tap down the holes at the ends of the shafts to
clean them out.  I also recommend cleaning the external threads with a wire
brush or running a die over them.

If the latter doesn't help, replacement studs might be available at places
such as hardware or building supply stores or automotive parts dealers.  If
not, they could be made by cutting ready rod to length and beveling the
ends.

To prevent the threads from binding in the future, there are compounds
available just for that purpose.  A building supply store might have
something like that for threaded pipe.  Just dip the external thread in it
and screw the element back together.

I hope this helps.

73s

Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL



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