T&K brackets

thecaretaker

I purchased a set of T&K brackets from a local Tandy store about 25 years ago to erect my UHF TV Ariel. It is still going strong, no signs of rust and I'm confident it will last many more years.

However, a year ago, I purchased online a set of T&K brackets (looked just the same) for my motorised dish and it is red with rust after a year.

It is hard to tell by looking at online sites what the quality of the brackets 'really' is like. There is obviously galvanising and then there is galvanising!

I've come to the conclusion that online sites will often opt for the lighter versions to keep the cost of postage down. A really thick, well galvanised T&K brackets is a heavy item to put through the post.

I can no longer find anywhere locally that sell them. Can somebody recommend a source where I can purchase 'well made' heavy duty T&K brackets that will last more than a couple of years? (20+ would be good).

I live on the south coast with sea breezes, salty air and need top quality. Mine hasn't dropped off the wall yet, but I don't think it will be long (maybe one more winter).

Any ideas? I'm happy to travel to get them, but must be the biz! Alternatively, do you know anybody who makes them to order?

edinstu

I would imagine that a local blacksmith would be able to sort that out for you, you could find your local AVC COUNTER, or if you can find a sky engineer you could offer him cash!

Tivù

I got my T&Ks from Creative Satellite.

Had them three years or so and no sign of any degradation at all.

Linkie _http://www.creativesatellite.co.uk

Unfortunately a direct link to the "brackets" page doesn't seem to want to play, but it's easy enough to find.

thecaretaker

Cheers Tivu. I eventually found the brackets. It doesn't actually say they are galvanised though, just that they are made from 40x40x30mm steel.

I did find one site that offers galvanised and non-galvanised brackets, so unless it actually says galvanised, I'm not sure. Thanks for tryin'

Maybe I'll look at edinstu's idea. A building firm might be able to point me in the right direction to get them made up (to my spec 40x40x60mm hehehehe only joking). cheers!

Tivù

Mine are definitely galvanised, but I don't know if he supplies something different now. But do give him a ring - I found him very knowledgeable and helpful.

rolfw

I mostly use Blake T&Ks and whilst the steel has got thinner over the last couple of years, they do seem to be well made and properly galvanised.

In fact I've noticed that most bracketry on the market is thinner than it was a year or so ago and the quality of itms like U bolts has deteriorated.

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Robbo

I've had a few sets from TLC direct, they are galvanised but only do the 12" or 24". There doesn't seem to be any difference between those and the ones I normally get from a trade outlet. Your closest branch probably by the Medway tunnel.

wod

i got mine from j&p aerial supplies or something like that on Ebay and they are 5mm thick and galvanised very strong holding up my system.