Tower strut removal and installation

[F.M.]

Did a quick search and couldn't find anything.

Hypothetically.... what if someone were to lower their tower and then use vice grips to keep the tower strut extended so that it could be removed. Then, what if the vice grips came loose and the strut retracted. Then, after all this they noticed that printed on the side of the strut was " Warning - High Pressure Strut". Then, they found out that the strut wouldn't fit back in the mount without being extended first... but can't figure out how to extend it since it's under such high pressure and all.

How might said person go about re-installing the tower strut? Asking for a friend. ?

 

[F.M.]

Since no one had any advice on dealing with the tower struts, I'll post my findings & how I fixed it.

For starters, don't remove your tower struts unless yours are damaged and need replacing.

If you do need to remove one, wrap the shaft with a rag and use vice grips to hold it open/extended. Do not, I repeat, do not under any circumstance remove the vice grips until the strut is re-installed. It has 340lbs of pressure pulling it closed, and you will regret it immensely.

If one does close on you, I have discovered that with the ends of the strut properly secured, a winch or a come along will easily extend it again so that the rag and vice grips and be re-attached.

But..... I would personally recommend not removing them unless absolutely necessary.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[David6801]

hey F.M
thanks for your post!
im thinking of removing the tower all together from a 212X. So I can fit in the garage 7 ft door.
i did not understand what you said about the 300 lbs of pressure! Would that have to do with tower or just the base..
thanks!,

 

[F.M.]

The struts are attached to the base on one end and the inside the tower on the other. If you detach the tower base and all you'll be ok.