For any kind of antenna rebuilding, I recommend getting some
wire brushes similar to what plumbers use to clean copper pipe before
sweating them. You can get inside and outside wire brush cleaners in
various convenient sizes. Wire brushes clean up the surface without
removing too much metal. If you clean excessively with sandpaper or
(ee gawds) a file, you'll reduce the tightness of the resulting
joint.
Also, a rifle cleaning wire brush is good for cleaning inside the
shorting straps.
A long piece of stiff wire, or an electrician's 'fish', is useful for
cleaning the spider nests out of the 3/8 diameter tubes. You must do this!
If not, water collects and freezes, or the ventilation to the caps is
blocked and they will absorb water.
Use hot water to soften the plastic caps for easy installation; DON'T use
hammers or oil to install which will lead to early failure.
-Tony, K1KP, fisher@hp-and2.an.hp.com
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