Simple Way To Waterproof Coax Connection

[Riverman]

Take an ordinary water hose washer and slide it onto your SO239. You’ll find it is a perfect snug fit.
Then simply screw on your PL259. Bingo! No more sticky coax seal, etc.

 

[binrat]

l like it, simple and cheap.

 

[fourstringburn]

Interesting idea.

I use rescue tape. It is self vulcanizing and easy to remove with no residue. However it would be difficult to use with an L-bracket but it works great if the connector is more exposed like in this pic.

 

[Eldorado828]

I use self fusing silicone tape and leaves no residue either but like above it is tricky in a tight spot.
I'll keep your idea in the memory banks though

 

[fourstringburn]

I use self fusing silicone tape and leaves no residue either but like above it is tricky in a tight spot.
I'll keep your idea in the memory banks though
View attachment 76792

Yes, good stuff for coax connector sealing.

In case you didn't know and for others reading, this is the same as Rescue Tape just the Permatex brand. The Rescue Tape brand is sold at Tru-Value and likely other hardware stores like Ace etc. Rescue tape is also sold in different colors which I believe means nothing spec wise because the numbers are all the same.

I use RED rescue tape for my beam antenna on the coax connectors in and out of the balun that's located close to the antenna fed point. This lets me see from at ground level that the connectors red rescue tape is still wrapped up tight. In the dry climate here in New Mexico, I yet seen the tape unravel or disintegrate in the southwest NM sun although I believe it eventually will but not for many years to come.

 

[fourstringburn]

Take an ordinary water hose washer and slide it onto your SO239. You’ll find it is a perfect snug fit.
Then simply screw on your PL259. Bingo! No more sticky coax seal, etc.

View attachment 76783View attachment 76782View attachment 76781

Looking at you pic again, it seems the rubber hose washer would act like a rain shield and let water drip away from the connection point which should work fine for that.

To add to your idea, I think putting a couple more washers on the threads so the connector will bottom out all the washers and create a tighter seal at the edge of the connector.

Just be sure not to use too many washers where tightening the connector will deform the rubber washers.

 

[Riverman]

Looking at you pic again, it seems the rubber hose washer would act like a rain shield and let water drip away from the connection point which should work fine for that.

To add to your idea, I think putting a couple more washers on the threads so the connector will bottom out all the washers and create a tighter seal at the edge of the connector.

Just be sure not to use too many washers where tightening the connector will deform the rubber washers.

Multiple washers is an idea I tried. Quite frankly, a single one placed low on the connector works good as the washer is pushed upward as you screw on the PL259. Mine did not deform at all.

It definitely acts as a rain shield.

I tested it via a good dowsing with my back yard water hose, inspected it and found the inside of the connector to be bone dry. Still, for long term use, the tape you guys are using is likely better. I just never leave any one antenna up for more than a month or two at one time.