[KCDXC] I thought Stainless was tough..

[tombaugh]

I thought this was interesting. I found it on EHAM.COM

Tower Owners: BEWARE Stainless Bolts!
Kenneth Meyer (K9KJM) on May 11, 2002
View comments about this article!
I have seen a number of tower owners who have replaced the original steel
(Usually a grade 5) tower leg bolt(s) with "stainless steel" bolts, Thinking
they have done the best thing. DO NOT REPLACE original bolts without
consultation with the tower manufacturer! There have been a number of
COMPLETE TOWER FAILURES (Bolts sheared off, tower fell) from this practice.
Apparently the owners objected to the rusted appearance of the original
bolts, and replaced them with "hardware store" variety of stainless steel
bolts, of unknown hardness. THESE REPLACEMENT BOLTS HAD VERY POOR SHEAR
STRENGTH, AND IN HIGH WIND CONDITIONS FAILED SHEARING OFF AND THE TOWERS
FALLING! While it is "nice" to have shiny bolts, and no rust running down
the side of your tower, do not take a chance using bolts of unknown quality!
If the original bolts are rusting, Buy direct replacement bolts, Or simply
coat them with zinc galvanize paint. Rust-oleum and other companies sell a
high zinc content "paint" that is perfect for tower applications, in small
spray cans, and quarts or gallons. Any questions about tower maintenance
should be directed to the tower manufacturer. Good luck, and keep those
antennas up high! 73



Tom Baugh
AE9B