First of all, ANY tower that is installed by burying a section should be
suspect UNLESS you are absolutely sure that the legs have plenty of
drainage.
Drilling a small hole in the legs a few inches above ground can give you an
idea if there is standing water. If the water is clear then it is probably
safe; if rusty then walk away.
If its a dry hole at that level then snake some cotton string down the hole.
If it comes back wet and rusty then Id also suggest not climbing.
New tower construction should always use a base plate and pier pin if the
only support is guy wires. If house bracketed then a minimum of 2 brackets
is required. The base should be a standard base plate but with one hole at
each corner and secured to the concrete with 3/4" J bolts.
An existing tower that was installed without drainage MAY have its life
extended by drilling those small holes I mentioned. Then with ~ 3/16" tubing
inserted down to the bottom regularly pump out any water. There are ways to
derust the legs and seal against further rust but its an iffy proposition
when you cant tell the extent of the damage.
Carl
KM1H
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Winkis" <kc4pe@mindspring.com>
To: "Blake M" <n4gi@tampabay.rr.com>; <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 7:39 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Tower ACCIDENT
> This information is all well and good ... it rings with a bell of
> caution ... BUT , how do you know .. ????
> In this case the climber felt all was well until the tower came down
> with him on it .. but now how in the world do you test and determine
> all is OK before you climb.?? Or what steps do you use to protect
> your self ...
> Certainly the professional tower people who partake in this forum
> will have a degree of in site for us .. but it needs to be
> discussed.!!! We've got guys here with 5-10-20 plus years old towers
> ....What is the answer??
>
> -Bill
>
> At 10:05 PM 6/26/2007, Blake M wrote:
>
>>If I had a nickel for every time somebody has told me this line....!!
>>
>>In my experience, what this really means is:
>>
>>"This is a hack-job install, but I really need to make you believe it's OK
>>or else you're going to bolt on me and I'm going to have to fork out major
>>coin for a crane."
>>
>>Simple psych 101.... If you have a pretty girlfriend, you wouldn't have to
>>walk around telling people how pretty she is, now, would you? ;-)
>>
>>Be safe....
>>
>>73,
>>Blake N4GI
>>
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
>>[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Richard J. Fiero II
>>W5TFW
>>
>> The owner told me that he and his Brother Both men about 230 pounds each
>>had been on the tower recently
>>at the same time and that it was strong as an ox.
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
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>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
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