[Antennas] Hamwhip

[A10382]

Sounds like either:

The hole was truly not tapped in far enough
--or--
it's possible that the original set screw had a projection on it's end, and
what you have there are replacement screws...

I have  "Hamstick" brand antennas (there are lower cost 'knock-offs' with
similar sounding names)  and the screws do make good contact with the rod.
I had seen one ham who had brazed a short 'tee-handle' allen wrench right
into the end of the set screw so he could do quick in field tuning without
having to carry a separate allen wrench.  The screws are also easy to
loose - just drop one in the grass or even into the carpet and try & find it
...

If you do replace the screws, you might want to consider ones with 'torx' or
similar heads.  They are easier to tighten and the insert is typically
stronger than a typical hex-allen head -- making it less likely that you
would strip out the head.  And there is a marked difference in the quality
of screws - some being harder than others..

Tapping the hole may just make the screw go in too far to have a good 'bite'
of the threads - especially if the screw is very short.

A good 'full-service' hardware store will have a good assortment of screws
that you can buy by the piece....

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Tonsmeire" <w4lt@mchsi.com>
To: <Antennas@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 1:49 PM
Subject: [Antennas] Hamwhip


> Hi - I just bought 2 20 meter Hamwhip antennas at a hamfest yestrday and
the set screws that hold the stainless steel rod in the ferrule will not
screw in enough to screw down on the whip and hold it - I guess the ferrule
is not tapped far enough nd the set screws bottom out before they contact
the whip - I would appreciate any suggestions on how to fix this or how to
contact the manufacturer - no address on antenna or papers - I understand
that they are in Miami, FL - I think the thing to do is to try to tap the
hole, but do I need to drill out the existing hole or just force the tap
through what uis there now? The hole seems to go all the way through but the
screw stopps before contacting the whip - I can't force the set screw
through the existing hold - I think it just needs to be able to screw all
the way through - but even with the whip completely removed the set screw
stops before going all of the way through the ferrule - Any help appreciated

>


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