We all know that you must have the antenna tip installed when taking SWR measurements on fiberglass antennas … unless you plan to use the antenna without a tip during normal use. Why? If you add the tip after you tune the antenna (… "cause it's easier than taking it on and off"), the antenna will become electrically longer. So, it becomes an on and off project. Before you start calling us names while trying to remove the tip, try this.

Before you install the antenna, pull the tip. We do it in one of several ways ..

On short antennas, we hold the antenna between our feet and hook a couple of fingers on both hands under the base of the tip and pull upward.

On longer antennas, we have another person hold the antenna horizontally and use the finger tip pull method of removal.

Find a flat edged object and hook the tip on that edge and pull the antenna towards you.

Once off, you can use an old fly fisherman's trick. To keep their rod sections from sticking together, they use natural oils from their face as a lubricant. The best places are the creases on either side of your nose or on your forehead. Either rub the antenna directly to those areas or get some of your natural oils on your finger(s) and rub it on the top two inches of the antenna. If you're fresh out of the shower and haven't "manufactured" some natural oils, try using some WD-40, silicone or other suitable lubricant. You can reinstall the antenna tip for your initial test and easily remove it during your testing procedure.

Compliments of Firestik® Antenna Company, Phoenix, Arizona USA
Send e-mail   (tel) 602-273-7152  (fax) 602-273-1836

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