RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

For some reason, the antenna industry seems to think instructions are not necessary, and that was pretty much the case for this item too. Even though it was a pretty simple operation, a few pictures of how it is installed might have been useful. One of the straps I tightened just snapped. Another had a twist I did not see from the blind side, until I checked it out later, and probably would have broken if I didn't catch it and re-do it. The ratchet hardware is pretty flimsy, and bends easily. How much would it cost radio shack to upgrade the quality a bit?

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

we had tried an indoor antena but it didn't have enough power. This chimney mount allowed us to install the new outside antena right where we needed it.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

Getting the correct "taughtness" in the straps requires some care as it takes quite a bit of torque. Rather than risking damaging the axle of the mechanism, I used a very large channel lock pliers to turn the ratchet wheel directly for the final tightening. The stainless steel straps are plenty long and adequately strong. One needs to follow the instructions very carefully so that you do not get the straps threaded incorrectly. I think it would be possible to beef up the mechanism just a bit so that one does not feel insecure at the point of final tightening which requires quite a bit of force. Note that at least one reviewer did say he broke the mechanism when tightening.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

I would NEVER buy this again I returned it after the ratchet would not hold. Cheap and I wonder how many people will fall and get hurt trying to get this thing to work. The metal is to soft to hold the ratchet in place it "pops" open. If you got this return it ASAP.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

Have used several of these in the past. This latest one is [*] junk. The barrel you tighten with a screw driver failed immediately. The straps weren't even tight around the bricks when it completely cork screwed itself into oblivion. Until they get better material, stay away from it.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

I buy alot from Radio Shack, but this product is poorly designed. I could not get it to ratchet tight enough around the chimney. Tried to get it tighter, but it would not give. Ended up twisting the ratchet mechanism and had to cut it off the chimney. Took it back to the store and the employee reluctantly issued a refund. Better designs are available on the internet.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

I set it up by myself in under one hour. Two people would make it a little easier but it really was OK. It would be nice if RS included a small bar to crank it with instead of saying "all you need is a screw driver". It's a little misleading.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

The best thing you can say about this mount is it is in stock and availabe at Radio Shack. I called all over town looking for an alternative but no one stocks antenna mounts locally, so this was my only choice. The first one I bought had to be returned because it was defective. It is misleading when it says that is has to be tightened with a screwdriver. You are not tightening a screw, you are using the screwdriver as a lever or pry bar to turn the ratchet. When trying to install it and tighten it adequately, the rachet warped so bad that I had to remove it and bend it back in place with my pliers and reinstall it. The holes provided for turning the ratchet with the screwdriver (I used a heavy metal punch) are so flimsy that they started to tear open before the ratchet was adequately tight. These used to be made locally, but now they are made in China, and the quality has really decreased. I would have gladly paid more for a better quality product, but there were none to be found in my city. Bottom line, if you can find a different mount locally or have the patience to wait for one to be shipped to you that is what you should do. If you can not find one anywhere else, then you can make this one work as a last resort. I was anxious to get the antenna installed, so I went with this one because it was the only local choice.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

I wish I looked around before buying this one. The ratchet does not work well. A simple screw would have been better.

Comments about RadioShack Chimney Ratchet Mount:

Ratchet set up could be stronger, it does twist some when getting the last click. Once on it will hold.