[Elecraft] OT Good Source for Stainless Fasteners and Connectors?

[David Christ]

Although we are talking about antennas, some information from the bicycle world is informative.  Stainless steel couplers are used to enable bicycles to be broken down for airline shipping. If the threads on one of these couplers were to gall on a multi thousand dollar bicycle, the cost to replace the coupler could be in the thousands.  To that end the coupler manufacturer tested over 100 different products to see what worked best.  You can see his methodology and results here <http://www.sandsmachine.com/grease_t.htm> and the recommendation here <http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_greas.htm>.  

I have no financial stake in this beyond owning a bicycle with stainless steel couplers.

David K0LUM

> On Jun 21, 2020, at 2:28 PM, Charlie T <pincon at erols.com> wrote:
> 
> Also, it's a good idea to smear some "never-seize" compound on threaded surfaces, especially on the larger antenna mounting hardware.
> SS hardware has a tendency to "gall"  ( I think that's the correct term) which results from the heat generated by excess friction between the mating surfaces.
> The tighter you try to make a connection, the more likely this phenomenon is to occur.
> Once this happens, you may as well wring off the afflicted bolt and throw it away, cause you'll never get it off with regular tools.
> The bad news is that generally, you won't notice it until you try to remove the hardware.  Your socket wrench will be extremely hard to turn, and when it does, it doesn't actually "come-loose" since the threads are effectively stripped. 
> 
> Here's a link for more info on the subject:  https://www.essentracomponents.com/en-gb/news/product-resources/how-to-prevent-galling-on-stainless-steel-bolts
> 
> 
> 73, Charlie k3ICH
> 
> 
> 
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