Step Pole Vandalism

This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 6 months ago by dbasketman.

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December 11, 2012 at 2:44 pm #425692

BamaCat
Participant

Well, while fishing on Guntersville this past weekend, some “prick” ( and I am being nice here) decided to take a hammer and knock the gold ball off my grab pole. Nothing else was messed with or damaged. He even sole my little gold ball; it was there when I launched. Can this be replaced? It seems to have a bolt, or all thread down in the pole. I think I can remove it by making a notch in the top with a chisel and then unscrewing what remains. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this? There is just no sense in this type of mischief. I know I am preaching to the choir.

December 11, 2012 at 2:54 pm #425695

tshenson
Participant

I lost mine while driving down the road. The shaking broke the bolt off even with the base and it went bouncing down the highway. Hate that yours was stolen.

December 11, 2012 at 3:39 pm #425696

txpuma
Participant

Good timing on your question. Someone broke mine off during a tournament too. It was there when I launched and when I loaded up that afternoon it was gone. The head of the bolt that was welded on top of the pole was all that was left. It appears that the thief twisted the mounting bolt off to take the ball.I just replaced mine this past weekend. It can be done pretty simply. Bass Cat sold me a new ball ($17.50). What I did to mount it was;1) Buy a stud to mount the new ball (1/4″ diameter x 1 1/2″ long)2) On my pole, the ball was mounted to a 1/4″ bolt that was welded to the top of the pole. The bolt head was welded to the pole with the bolt threads point up. Grind whats left of the original mounting bolt flat so your new ball is straight and not crooked. I left most of the original bolt head in place so there would be enough material left for the next step.3) Drill through the original bolt head and pole top plate.4) Tap the original bolt head and pole top plate for the 1/4″ stud.5) Install the 1/4″ stud into the new ball. Use thread locking compound to prevent it from vibrating loose.6) Install the new ball/stud assembly on the pole. Again, use thread locker. Do not over tighten the stud.Hope this helps!I do question if the 1/4″ bolt is sufficient to hold that heavy ball. If mine leaves again, I will have to come up with a stronger repair.Scott

December 11, 2012 at 7:59 pm #425697

BamaCat
Participant

txpuma wrote: Good timing on your question. Someone broke mine off during a tournament too. It was there when I launched and when I loaded up that afternoon it was gone. The head of the bolt that was welded on top of the pole was all that was left. It appears that the thief twisted the mounting bolt off to take the ball.I just replaced mine this past weekend. It can be done pretty simply. Bass Cat sold me a new ball ($17.50). What I did to mount it was;1) Buy a stud to mount the new ball (1/4″ diameter x 1 1/2″ long)2) On my pole, the ball was mounted to a 1/4″ bolt that was welded to the top of the pole. The bolt head was welded to the pole with the bolt threads point up. Grind whats left of the original mounting bolt flat so your new ball is straight and not crooked. I left most of the original bolt head in place so there would be enough material left for the next step.3) Drill through the original bolt head and pole top plate.4) Tap the original bolt head and pole top plate for the 1/4″ stud.5) Install the 1/4″ stud into the new ball. Use thread locking compound to prevent it from vibrating loose.6) Install the new ball/stud assembly on the pole. Again, use thread locker. Do not over tighten the stud.Hope this helps!I do question if the 1/4″ bolt is sufficient to hold that heavy ball. If mine leaves again, I will have to come up with a stronger repair.ScottThanks Scott for the information. I am definnitely going to replace it and welding would be the best solution.O.V.

December 11, 2012 at 9:22 pm #425699

dbasketman
Participant

You might braze it on the pole, but i dont think a brass/bronze ball will weld onto a steel post.
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