Steel rod sources

[W8HDU]

I'm probably calling them by an incorrect name, but I'm looking for a source for the rods which go into the loading coil for a trunk or roof mount loaded antenna.

I need them for a project, preferably > 65" in length. The thicker ones, 3/32" would work better.

Does anyone have a source for these other than buying a whole antenna and using just the rod?

 

[jeepsandradios]

Used to be able to get CB antenna whips at 102" fairly cheap. Now they are stupid money. Look on eaby.

 

[a417]

If it's not here, you don't need to buy it.

There will be cheaper places to find similar things, like our esteemed colleague @jeepsandradios mentioned, but if you absolutely need a specific part and cant source it elsewhere, the Black Hole of Money I listed above will gladly provide...

 

[KevinC]

Antenna whip?

Wilson Antennas 880-900906 66 Inch CB Antenna Whip

Specifications for the Wilson Antennas 880-900906:<ul><li>Replacement Antenna Whip for CB Antennas<li>66 inch Whip with Chrome Plated Brass Tapered Tip</li></ul>

www.directdepot.net

 

[W8HDU]

I need 12 of them, so ridiculously expensive is a good phase.

I notice DX Engineering has 60 inch whips as well, as part of a capacity hat modification. What I may have to do is make the spoke out of stainless rod, with a hole in the end to attach the 60 rod.

If 102" rods were less expensive it would be a good design. One person was selling a 102" rod for $80. YIKES!!

There are some 90" for sale in Europe, but I suspect shipping would offset savings on product.

 

[tweiss3]

I didn't realize you needed quantity.

This is an option for 64" whips, minimum order quantity is 21 though, but I think the unit price is reasonable. W640.125 : Stainless Steel Replacement Whip only for 5/8 or 1/4 Wave, 27 - 174 MHz- 64 Inches

 

[W8HDU]

FYI. This was just sent to me by a member. It did not pop up in the original search. Just in case anyone else goes down this road.

Besides the longer rods, it appears this company has shorter rods. They also appear to be a thicker material, which while not idea, would work.

DX Engineering Hot Rodz™ Capacity Hat

Thanks to all for assistance!!

 

[bharvey2]

Never used this company but check out their stainless steel round rod. 304 is a good general alloy for antenna whips.

Speedy Metals Online Industrial Metal Supply

Go to SpeedyMetals.com for Stainless Steel, Tool Steel, Aluminum, Bronze, Brass, Cast Iron and Copper. SpeedyMetals.com is your online source for industrial metal supply. Call 866-938-6061 to speak with a representative.

www.speedymetals.com

 

[phask]

There HAS to be a local metal supplier in Lima If they don't stock it they can order it (usually).

Here in Zanesville local shop not only has about anything they can get stuff from Columbus or elsewhere. Great service and price.

How about
Benjamin Steel

 

[W8HDU]

Not for stainless whips. But if you want to build a tower ...

 

[bharvey2]

There HAS to be a local metal supplier in Lima If they don't stock it they can order it (usually).

Here in Zanesville local shop not only has about anything they can get stuff from Columbus or elsewhere. Great service and price.

How about
Benjamin Steel

That was my thought too. I did see Benjamin Steel but wasn't sure if they carried what the OP wanted so I found an internet source. Hopefully, something will pan out for him.

 

[prcguy]

If this is for a capacity hat I made one using 3/16" 6061 aluminum rod. I found an aluminum hub on eBay that already had 6 whip holes with set screws and fit on a 3/8-24 thread. I drilled out the holes to 3/16 and stuck in six rods 48" long but I could have gone longer. This makes a really effective cap hat for big screwdriver antennas used at fixed locations. This cap hat on a 1 or 2ft mast is about equivalent to a 17ft whip sticking above the coil and would easily give great performance as a very short vertical stuck in an attic over chicken wire, etc.

Bottom line is aluminum rods are cheap and plentiful.

 

[laidback]

Large supplier: McMaster-Carr

 

[W8HDU]

They are not as good as Thyssenkrupp Materials

 

[522]

Large supplier: McMaster-Carr

Already suggested by @a417 in post #3

But that's a new one to me.... looks like they may be getting some money out of my pocket soon.