Opinions Wanted

[hax0r]

Is this mounting pole (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3095018907&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1) any better than the regular galvanized pipe I'd get at Home Depot?

[boba]

It depends how long you are planning on using it. Aluminum won't rust galvanized steel will but it will take a while. the thickness of the Aluminum pole will make it stronger. You can put in 4-5 Home Depot poles for the price of the Aluminum pole with shipping, it"s your decision.

[hax0r]

It depends how long you are planning on using it. Aluminum won't rust galvanized steel will but it will take a while.

How long can a galvanized steel pole can be expected to last?

[Mike500]

I've dug up poles of the thin 18 gage galvanized steel type, after about 10 months in the ground. Especially where the concrete contacts the galvanized steel, a thick coating of rust has formed, after the zinc has been spent.

The post rust the most at contact with concrete, due to the fact that concrete has caustic chemicals in it and it holds moisture.

You can expect a Home Depot pole to last three to five years. Thick walled aluminum pipe with last at least 25 years or even more.

Digging up and replanting a pole can be a real hassle. The cables might not be long enough, if the pole is repositioned.