I've just installed a used TX-472 tower here. So far, I have a 2M/440
omni and an inverted V 80 meter wire antenna on it. A couple days ago I
attempted to lower it in anticipation of installing my new SteppIR 3L
antenna plus installing a worm gear winch for raising/lowering the tower.
As I was retracting the tower the top section stuck at about the 50 foot
level. The lower sections would continue to retract but the topmost
section wasn't coming down with them. I tried shaking the tower by
pulling on the 80 meter wire with no luck, still stuck...
Today, I put a 32 foot extension ladder against the tower and was able
to get within a couple feet of the point where it was stuck. A crowbar
broke it free and, even though it did stick twice more on the way down,
I was able to completely retract it. I found that the plate on the
bottom of the innermost tower section where the cable was fastened had
been bent outward enough that it was catching on the bars of the next
tower section. A "come-along" and some careful application of an 8
pound sledge hammer cured that problem.
My plan is to fasten a length of chain onto the innermost section so
that if it sticks again I'll be able to carefully apply a positive
downward force on the tower. I'm also going to liberally spread some
grease on the bearing surfaces of the tower.
Any thoughts or ideas on my situation and plans?
John KE7JGB
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