Broken Buddipole Arm - Whip Extension to Screwdriver

If you read my last post about breaking my antenna, here is the fix for it.

The stud for one of the arms snapped off:





Note the stud is hollow. This is a big help. I used a screw-out to unscrew the broken pieces as there wasn't enough to grab on to. I tried to unscrew the stud that was still attached the arm, but the hollow stud collapsed and wouldn't let me get a good grip. A screw-out is almost like a reverse thread tap, only it tapers. The further you screw it in the tighter it holds until the screw breaks loose.

The stud is held in to the arm with what looks to be LocTite (that red ring). Once the bond was broken the stud came out pretty easy, but it is tough breaking the bond!



Now, to replace it I am going to use one of the steel studs from an old spring mount. You can probably pick these up at a hamfest for a dollar or so also. The Columbus Hamfest is coming up so maybe I will see if anyone has some, and an extra couple of springs to add to the rest of my versatile antenna parts.