[Antennas] Fasteners

[Lyn Williams]

> I have what may seem to be a dumb question.
> 
> My Rohn 25 uses GRAVITY to hold the sections together. 
> 
> The upper section telescopes over the lower section by about 10 inches
> (maybe 8 inches). The bolts are installed after the sections are already
> mated. If no bolts are installed, my antenna will still be standing
> because gravity takes the vertical loads, not the bolts. [It is guyed].
> Now, if gravity fails, like an earthquake, and my Rohn sees a negative g
> force, who cares?
> 
> My question: What is the purpose of the bolts since they are not load
> bearing elements in the design?
> 
> Deacon Dave, W1MCE


The bolts are load bearing...as the tapers are not precisely aligned. 
You might get away with no bolts on a short tower....but not on a taller
100-300 footer.

The bolts also provide some additional electrical connectivity between
sections.

Personally....I wouldn't climb a tower that wasn't bolted
together....with the correct bolts.  

Regards to list.......

Lyn
WA4GEH