Bill, A product called Kroil from Kano Labs is the best penetrate I have found. Some heat helps too, but not enough to anneal the aluminum.
Art, KC6UQH
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of B J Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 9:32 AM To: Bill Dzurilla Cc: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Arrow antenna will not unscrew, help
<snip>
We are leaving today for Europe and of course I waited until the last minute to take down my Arrow antenna, which has been mounted outside for about a year. But, when I attempted to unscrew the elements, they would not budge, even after receiving a big dose of WD-40. And the elements are not that solid so it's not possible to use a great deal of force.
Is there some trick to unscrewing these things?
<snip>
I've loosened corroded threads after applying penetrating oil and then *gently* applying torque. Usually I was successful, though I sometimes had to repeat the process.
After disassembling the elements, it might be a good idea to remove the threaded stud and run a tap down the holes at the ends of the shafts to clean them out. I also recommend cleaning the external threads with a wire brush or running a die over them.
If the latter doesn't help, replacement studs might be available at places such as hardware or building supply stores or automotive parts dealers. If not, they could be made by cutting ready rod to length and beveling the ends.
To prevent the threads from binding in the future, there are compounds available just for that purpose. A building supply store might have something like that for threaded pipe. Just dip the external thread in it and screw the element back together.
I hope this helps.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL
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