Thread Sealer

[BigIron2]

Should thread sealer be used on the antenna connections? If so, what kind?

[TeRayCodA]

I have used RTV silicon caulk before to seal out moisture on connectors before.That way,the connector can easily be taken apart.If you really want to do it 'the right way',Use some rubber self-fusing tape,around the connector,then,some Scotch electrical tape over that.Better yet,use the appropriate size of heat shrink tubing.

[W2NJS]

No.

If you're talking about thread sealer that gets put on the male plug just prior to connection i wouldn't do it. The only reliable way to get the connection apart later would be to heat the connection with a torch, and that would not be good at all for the coax near the connectors, or for the connection itself it if's soldered and not crimped. I would use the methods suggested above, and make sure you're using that yellow "stretchy" tape as part of the sealing operation.

[rafdav]

Should you ever need to work on that antenna, your s.o.l.
The previous posters gave you good ways to do it. There's also the liquid electrical tape found at Wally-World or Lowes box stores.

Also, before you apply the tape, RTV, or other methods, CLEAN the area you're going to apply the seal to. Did I say CLEAN the area? (alcohol comes to mind.)

[BigIron2]

All good replies. thank you all for the info.

[spd640]

Coax seal its the brand name works great.....

[LtDoc]

I think in general, covering the connector with tape or whatever, then coating it with a sealant is a good way of doing it. If I have it, that liquid electrical tape is something I like to use over a layer of electrical tape. The tape is basically for easy removal of the liquid stuff without damage to the connector or feed line. Will it last forever? I have no way of knowing how long it'll last. Most of the connections I do like that last as long as the antenna does, which doesn't mean that it won't come down because I wanna try something else.
Good luck.
- 'Doc

[JayMojave]

Great replies here.

Yes you need to seal not only the treads, but the connector itself. PL-259 and "N" Type Connectors are not sealed from the elements, rain, moisture, and such. So sealing the connector from the elements is a must. I can't beleive how many antennas have been fixed just properly soldering the connectors after years exposed to the elements. And replacing the old date coded 1968 RG58 coax that is water logged. Most all these ways can have the seal removed with a exacto or stanly knife.

Good Luck

Jay in the Mojave

[TeRayCodA]

Wal~Mart carries the rubber self-fusing tape.Great stuff! It's in the plumbing section.Keep in mind,it is NOT,UV protected,so you will need to cover it with some good 3M electrical tape.I use the appropriate size heat shrink tubing.The stuff is all over eBay,and,pretty inexpensive.I think I gave about $4.00 for a 6ft roll that will fit a Type 'N',or, PL-259/SO-239 connector.

[shortride]

I use butyl tape to seal coax connectors or any place that needs to be sealed from rain.