Swivel Clamp for mast ideas?

[WQWI871]

Does anyone have any ideas of a tilt / fold or swivel kind of clamp or bracket so I can easier push up (and down) a galvanized pole mast?

[Logan5]

That's a loaded question. There are so many clamps, telescoping mast, poles, tripods and such and every situation is different, each operator has specific needs. I have a pile of clamps and hinges from dozens of experiments, is always nice to find the part you need when in the middle of tower work.  I found most of my stuff on fleabay and local marine hardware stores. most of the stuff in regular hardware is not advisable for antenna deployment unless it is Stainless steel. Do you have a local CB/HAM shop? not many left I know.

[WQWI871]

I'm not familiar with any local cb or ham shops. The local flea and farmers market doesn't have any supplies, either. Usually I would need to fabricate something or find parts at a hardware shop or fleabay. If I can figure out how to upload images, I'll give some examples of what I'm looking for. Again, these are just examples. The mast is cylinder. Sometimes my biggest issue is simply knowing what the part is called. I didn't find out until some months ago that screw eyes / eye screws were called that. I knew what they were, but, had trouble finding them because I didn't technically know what they were called.

 

Edit: Giving more details, the antenna and mast is pretty light and the mast will be secured against the wall. But, 35' is still a bit annoying to push up. I wanted a clamp to attach to something, such as a pipe that will be cemented, and could simply push / walk the mast up into place while the clamp is basically holding the bottom of the mast down. It's a little difficult exploring options here with the hardware shop employees. A lot of them don't like giving individual help. The guy a couple days ago was rude and didn't seem interested, but, I think he only stuck around because another employee pulled him from his lunch break.

[Logan5]

1st pic is a typical tilt over pole hinge, the 2nd one is a DTV mount. I love the third pic. I could build a nice tilt over tower with that. #4 and 5 is for plumbing. #6 looks too lite duty.

[Logan5]

#7 is very nice , I bet overly priced and # 8 could also work.

[WQWI871]

After a quick search of the tilt over pole hinge you mentioned, I came across these aluminum flag pole brackets about $6.

I'm still looking.

[Logan5]

I would need to see pictures or drawings of your site to even give you an idea. defiantly not the flag pole holder. although I have used similar to hold antenna for temporary mobile set up. I like 1,2, 7, 8 of the first pictures. You just need to decide what will work and how much money you made of.

[WQWI871]

I think the plumbing clamps might be fine if I can find the right size. One of those quick release levers that's on modern bicycles would be nice or wingnuts. The antenna and mast are pretty light, I can lift the entire concept up to put it up without a clamp, so, strength isn't too important. The mast will be secured as well. The idea of the clamp is just for quick convenient deployment up and down if I need to make changes. I can't find my old picture of the area, but, I can get another picture if It'll help. My budget is about $10.

 

Edit: I actually found one with quick levers. http://www.pssl.com/2-In-Wrap-Around-Clamp-With-Dual-Quick-Release-1

Are they called Scaffolding Clamps?

[Logan5]

LOL, I used to balance lift 33' 50plus pound masts in place. LOL@ $10 ha

[WQWI871]

The entire concept including antenna is roughly 10lb-15lb. It really is a simple light setup, so, I feel paying more for an actual tilt hinge is unnecessary. I was just looking for a small cheap clamp. Something from a hardware shop, or, alter something to use.

[Logan5]

I have used a thousand things for other than the original intended use. if it fits your need, you will know.

[WQWI871]

Yeah, thanks. I think I may go with one of those double pipe clamps you mentioned was plumbing or the one I linked. It's in my budget and seems it will work.

[WQWI871]

I went with this galvanized swivel clamp on eBay, $19.99 free shipping new.

[WQWI871]

So, after dealing with a few unexpected issues by others' errors, the mast is up; 30'. I had to improvise for the moment with some hardware, such as the pvc sleeves due to errors, but, the hard part is over. I just have to swap stuff out when I'm ready.

 

 

 

http://i64.tinypic.com/2utpvm1.jpghttp://i64.tinypic.com/2ntvhva.jpg

[mainehazmt]

You forgot the antenna...

[WQWI871]

Funny lol. Yeah, I'm still upgrading some hardware such as bolts and guy wires and replacing and adding on coaxial cables and other antennas, so, I didn't want to waste my time putting my current antennas back up when I would be taking the mast down a few times. Maybe by the end of this month everything should be taken care of.

[WQWI871]

Antennas up. Pretty much all is taken care of now. I plan on a few small "extra" steps in the near future, but, It's fine for now. The cable ties holding the coaxial you can see sticking out is temporary, just to keep the coaxials from swaying in the breeze. Guy wires are up, I used some aircraft galvanized wire rope. I'll do a little tidying up later.

 

 

 

 

http://i66.tinypic.com/1zd3exk.jpg

[mainehazmt]

Glad you got it all together. I've read how hams will try to make anything radiate with a tuner so .....

[WQWI871]

I didn't want those antennas so close together, but, trying to improvise on a budget. That actually doesn't include the other three antennas lol. Well, my omni is tuneable, so, if I can lower it a little, I may be able to get by without another antenna. But, I don't need that at the moment. Sucks that two item's I can't get shipped unfortunately are cement and any pipes that are usually over five feet long. Anything else I can order. Considering I don't own a truck, I mean.

[WQWI871]

Okay. Well, I may need to reconsider that length or use something else. I think while It's up, it will last years being straight. But, each time I lower and raise it, It's going to get bent little by little lol. Perhaps if I attach my winch to the top segment, It'll keep it all straight while lowering and raising. I won't be lowering and raising often, only for hurricanes or repairs. But, It's kind of being raised and lowered often at the moment because I'm still working on stuff. I didn't think it would bend that easy, though. Because the top segment is only taking about 3lbs from the antenna, and, the second segment is taking about 5lbs from the top segment and 3lbs from the antenna. The bottom segment doesn't really bend because the setup keeps that one stiff while raising and lowering it.