As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am a fan of the WA5VJB “Cheap Yagis” as described by W0FMS. One of the construction techniques W0FMS describes is the use of a “push nut” to secure elements to the boom. I bought some push nuts from McMaster last week. Since Mom and Dad were in town over the weekend, I took the opportunity brainstorm with Dad about methods and mechanisms for installing the push nuts. McMaster would have happily sold me a tool for $60, but as usual, I was feeling thrifty.
And, this is what a push nut is. They come in various sizes. These are for 1/8-inch shafts (McMaster part number 94807A024).
Here is a jig with an oversized (3/16-inch hole) for installing push nuts:
With a push nut fitted:
Dad demonstrates operation of the jig (why yes, those are tower sections in the background):
Demonstrating how to do the other side, notice that the installed (top) push nut works as a positive stop:
And, a (nearly) finished 10-element Yagi for 903 MHz:
