DIYbanter - View Single Post

wrote:
Does anyone know what the aluminum rod at Lowes is in terms of grade?

I need some 3/8 inch rod that I can thread part way to put on a cb
antenna connector for a ham radio antenna.

I heard the 6061 was good but the 2024 or whatever it is gums up real
bad.

Most of that hardware store/H.I. store rod and flat stock is extruded,
machines like bubble gum. If it doesn't have the actual alloy number
stenciled on there, look out. I have seen a few aluminum shapes at the
big boxes with alloy numbers on it, square bar and plate, most is
mystery metal. Die-threading that extruded stuff can leave you with no
threads and something resembling a miniature corn cob. Doing it in the
lathe is worse, it tends to bend, very easily. Another item is the
lack of strength of that extruded stuff, cutting threads on it gives
you built-in stress risers, not something you need on an antenna. One
source for known grade alloy rod is MSC, there are others. Brass or
bronze might be another choice of material, if you end up ordering
metal.

Stan