I have a very old Mosley TA-33 Jr antenna and one element; the smaller tube
is stuck in the larger tube. This is the middle tube and only 3 foot long
and about 3/4 inches in diameter with about 1 inch sticking out of the
larger tube. I have tried pulling then apart with a bumper jack and vice
grips but have had no luck. The elements are not bent nor do they have any
dents. I suspects oxidation of the elements is the problem. I have also
tried using ammonia but no help. Any suggestions on pulling then apart would
be greatly appreciated. .
Bob, AA8X

"Anti-PC" wrote in message
news:y86dnWuvK7DtxmXbnZ2dnUVZ_oesnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
I have a very old Mosley TA-33 Jr antenna and one element; the smaller
tube
is stuck in the larger tube. This is the middle tube and only 3 foot long
and about 3/4 inches in diameter with about 1 inch sticking out of the
larger tube. I have tried pulling then apart with a bumper jack and vice
grips but have had no luck. The elements are not bent nor do they have any
dents. I suspects oxidation of the elements is the problem. I have also
tried using ammonia but no help. Any suggestions on pulling then apart
would
be greatly appreciated. .
Bob, AA8X

If it's oxidation, try heat. Heat gun, torch, etc. A small amount of
differential movement (the outer tube will heat up first/more) may break up
the oxidation.

An alternate mechanical means might involve finding or fashioning a
cylindrical collar (a scrap of PVC pipe, perhaps) whose inner diameter
allows it to slide over the one-inch protrusion of the smaller tube but not
over the larger tube. It must be long enough that the inner tube does NOT
protrude from it.

With the collar in place and secured with a piece of tape, turn the stuck
elements vertical, collar down, and drop them on a cement surface. When the
collar hits the cement, the outer element will surely stop, while the inner
element _may_ continue downward a bit due to its inertia. (Have you ever
held a catsup bottle and smacked the edge of your hand against the other
hand? Maybe some catsup flies out. Same principle.)

I have used variations of this method to release stuck telescoping mast
sections -- especially useful if the mast was tweaked by dropping.

I have a very old Mosley TA-33 Jr antenna and one element; the smaller tube
is stuck in the larger tube. This is the middle tube and only 3 foot long
and about 3/4 inches in diameter with about 1 inch sticking out of the
larger tube. I have tried pulling then apart with a bumper jack and vice
grips but have had no luck. The elements are not bent nor do they have any
dents. I suspects oxidation of the elements is the problem. I have also
tried using ammonia but no help. Any suggestions on pulling then apart would
be greatly appreciated. .
Bob, AA8X
===================================
Although I have never needed to do it myself and risking some negative
comments , may I suggest you explore the following :

Flow water through the inner tube and heat the outer tube (localy) with
a flame torch , in the hope the inner tube diameter remains roughly the
same ,whereas the outer tube will expand such that you MIGHT be able to
pull the tubes apart.


Frank GM0CSZ / KN6WH

On Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:37:12 -0400, Jimmie D wrote:

Marvel Mystery Oil

Along the same lines, I can suggest PB Blaster. It is a deep penetrant
that works well.

73, de Nate

--

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds,
the pessimist fears this is true."

Thank you for all the suggestions. I will try some of your ideas this
weekend.
Bob, AA8X

Anti-PC wrote:
I have a very old Mosley TA-33 Jr antenna and one element; the smaller tube
is stuck in the larger tube. This is the middle tube and only 3 foot long
and about 3/4 inches in diameter with about 1 inch sticking out of the
larger tube. I have tried pulling then apart with a bumper jack and vice
grips but have had no luck. The elements are not bent nor do they have any
dents. I suspects oxidation of the elements is the problem. I have also
tried using ammonia but no help. Any suggestions on pulling then apart would
be greatly appreciated. .
Bob, AA8X



A penetrating oil (as has already been suggested) is a good trick.

Then, with a rubber mallet, gently, but firmly, strike the outer
conductor (where it covers the inner conductor)--with the conductor
placed on a firm surface (hardwood, etc.), all the time rotating the
conductor betweens strikes.

Has worked EVERY time for me!

Regards,
JS