Wobbly pole

[jeanf]

I finally put the pole up today for the Deluxe Super 12 gourd rack... wanted to give the cement around the ground sleeve plenty of time to cure.

Boy, is it wobbly because the pole fits over the ground sleeve a little loose. Is that normal? I haven't put the gourds on yet, but that won't take long as I already have them on the arms.

Jean

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

It should not wobble much at all. You must have the wrong sized ground stake.

Check the inside diameter of the pole
Check the outside diameter of the ground stake.

The two should be close to the same size, about 1/8in, maximum of 1/4in difference, the pole inside diameter should be slightly larger than the ground stake.

The one that I have has some set screws, you tighten the set screws until there is zero wobble. ( I Firm up the set screws well, but don't strip the threads.)

[Guest]

If all else fails some 1/4 or 3/8 inch wide flat strap shims,length as req'd may have to be added.

dick

[M.Stephens]

Jean if you have a newer pole it should have set screws to hold it to the ground stake...the older poles did not.

And it could be the manufacturer of the system that didn't add the set screws.

I have one of the older ones and newer ones.

I shimmed the older one kind of like the way Dick recommended.

Also without the weight of the gourds on the pole it would probably wobble some if it doesn't have set screws.

[jeanf]

Thanks everyone. It doesn't have a set screw to hold it to the ground stake. It's brand new though, so I don't know why not. I even just looked at the directions again to see if I missed something, but there's no hole for a set screw anyway.

I'll see if the weight of the gourds help and use some shims if they don't stable it some.

Emil, Can't measure right now as it's still dark out, but it came as a set.

[john e]

Hi Jean,

I installed a new system this year with a 2 inch square pole that utilizes a ground strake. Even though it was a snug fit, and somewhat of a challenge to slip the pole with house onto strake, I notice it does wobble back and forth. I guess I am trying to say that I think this is unavoidable. I've seen the mast on a sail boat that can wobble in the same manner, but when a constant force is applied, it will be stationary and sturdy.

[CMF]

Jean,
All 3 of my Gemini systems wiggle a little with a 3" post and ground sleeve. I'd say maybe 3" at the top, nothing to worry about. On another system, I machined a stake to very close tolerance and there is no joint movement but I dread the day I want to remove it. I coated it with plenty of grease and I hope it separates. But why would I want to move? Oh yes, more land more systems = more martins! 60 more days to go.
CMF

[jeanf]

I just put the gourds on it about an hour ago. It's much better with the gourds on it now. It's up and looks awesome! Now off to the Middle School to help with their house. Hopefully putting it up today.

[CMF]

you tell us the gourds are up on a new system, you know what that means? WE NEED PICTURES!
CMF

[JL Murray]

I know this is a year old post but for anyone that wants to add set screws: A 2" pole takes Four 1/4 - 20 x 1/4 stainless set screws, use a 1/4 - 20 tap and #7 Drill bit, that will fix that.

[DornCounty]

you could try swedging it.

basically find some fine plastic netting.. sort of like window screen.. wrapp your pole and when you stick it in it fills the gap. That may make it hard to get out, but should get rid of alot of wobble.

[JR4-AL]

I know this is an old posts also, but there are a lot of landlords esp. new landlords putting up or replacing poles this time of year. I had the the same problem...(pole fit too loose in ground sleeve) I took some fine sand and carefully added it between the pole and the sleeve and it took up all of the slack. Since adding the sand I have had no trouble with any shaking.It seems to me that the manufacturers would be a bit more precise about this particular matchup (pole to gound sleeve) In high winds that slight wobble is a major jolt!

[pmcharter1]

jean, im launching my new pole design, im scared, i was wondering about tose ground stakes,. my set up is coming in the mail, ill see or modify, its crunch time1 GOOD LUCK
PM CHARTER1

[Bulldog1]

Have the same system and my martins don't seem to care about a little wobble.

[img][img]http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g80/h ... C_0085.jpg[/img][/img]

[JL Murray]

Mine did not have the set screws as well but they are super cheap and easy to add. http://purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24648

[M.Stephens]

I don't think they add set screws anymore. Why, I don't know?

[~Ray~Gingerich]

I don't know if this makes sense or not but maybe a little give and take in the wind is a good thing??

[JL Murray]

I don't think they add set screws anymore. Why, I don't know?

After producing a heavier duty Aluminum Ground Stake the Set Screws were no longer needed.

I don't know if this makes sense or not but maybe a little give and take in the wind is a good thing??

Makes sense to me!

[~Ray~Gingerich]

I have an MP pole I purchased last year, it has 4 set screws at the bottom.The date on instruction sheet is 2011

[JL Murray]

Those are nice!!!