[WVDXA] Question abt Penetrox

[Rick Robinson]

Phil, I will send you a little tool I made to clean antenna joints and a 
QST article on antenna corrosion. Even brand new antennas need cleaned 
before assembly. Aluminum starts to oxidize the moment it comes in 
contact with air. The tool I have is nothing but a 6" piece of aluminum 
rod which is split on one end to hold 2" wide sandpaper. I will send 
that also.  You put the rod in a cordless drill and tear off a piece of 
sandpaper about 6" long, it depends on the ID of the tubing.  Roll the 
sandpaper until it fits in the joint and use the drill to spin it for a 
few revolutions. Take it out and remove the sandpaper and put the used 
end of the paper in the slot of the tubing, roll it up again and do 
another tube. Then take the paper and use the unused center part of the 
sandpaper to wrap around the OD and polish by hand. Throw it away and 
start on the rest. Wipe off the joints inside and out and cover both 
with a thin coating of Noalox or Penatrox. I use a Q Tip or an acid 
brush. I'll see if I have an extra one.  Assemble them together and 
twist them to ensure 100% coverage. The purpose of the coating is to 
fill the gaps in the pores of the metal so no air can be present to 
start oxidation. I just got to thinking about the name, "Patriot". If 
this is one of those big verticle antennas then the same would apply, 
only my tool is probably way too small.  Tell me the ID's and maybe I 
can whip something up PDQ.  .............73, Rick.  W8ZT

Philip M. Roberts wrote:
> When you assemble an aluminum telescoping joint, do you apply 
> penetrox on the entire joint or just the area under the clamp ? Is it 
> best to swab it on with a small brush, or do you guys have a better method?
>
> Antenna construction had to be halted in Patriot today due to 
> thunderstorms in the area. Progress is slow on the "killer" antenna. 
> The base is yet to be installed. I am documenting this project with 
> pictures to be posted soon.
>
>
> Phil   W8UV
>
>
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>
>   

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