Rich:
When I built my HF Yagi (Bencher Skyhawk) in 2001, I followed the
then-recommended practice from TowerTalk to use a minimal amount of No-Al-Ox on
the elements joints. I cleaned the inside of the larger tubing and outside of
the smaller tubing with a Scotchbrite (R) scouring pad. I used this plastic
pad so as not to leave any traces of iron from steel wool pads on the aluminum
surfaces that could cause galvanic corrosion from the dissimilar metals.
I applied a small amount of No-Al-Ox with the included brush to the mating
surfaces and wiped it off thoroughly with a second, CLEAN Scotchbrite pad. I
used this second pad so as not to deposit into the No-Al-Ox the dirty material
I had just removed from the aluminum with the first pad. I telescoped the
pieces of element tubing together and applied the requisite rivets to the joint.
I have not attempted to disassemble the Yagi yet so I can't attest to
whether the No-Al-Ox was applied in sufficient or deficient quantity. But so
far I don't have to care. The antenna still works for me.
YMMV.
73 de
Gene Smar AD3F
-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Richard
Smith
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 8:04 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Amount of "Goop" to use in Telescoping Aluminum Tubing
Connections?
"Goop" = Penetrox, Noalox, Jet-Lube SS-30, or other
A while back, there was a good discussion on this reflector of which goop is
recommended for telescoping aluminum tubing connections in antennas. My
question here is not intended to recap all of the "Which Goop is Better"
points, but rather to ask how much goop to use. Over the years, I have heard
recommendations from "very minimal" to "lots".
I would be interested in recommendations from this very experienced group. The
trade-offs in my mind are:
Very minimal amount: Pros: Allows the aluminum to aluminum contact to provide
the electrical connection. The goop provides some lubrication, maybe some
corrosion protection. Cons: Not enough
corrosion protection, not much help in separating telescoping parts when
desired years later.
Lots of Goop: Pros: Assists in making a good electrical connection,
provides more corrosion protection, easier to separate parts when desired years
later
Cons: Maybe too much lubrication, harder to
get hose clamps tight enough to prevent unwanted slippage.
Maybe this is very basic, but I am interested in your comments.
Thanks in advance,
73, Rich, N6KT
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