CG5 Bendy Bolts Cheap Solution

[asteria]

Hi there - this might be a cheap solution for bent altitude adjustment bolts on your CG-5 mount. Bent bolts are apparently a common problem, esp. for people using a lot of heavy gear on the mount.

From B+Q:

Roofing Bolt Bright Zinc Plated M8 x 75mm

features

Width (mm): 75

Height (mm): 8

Colour: Bright Zinc Plated

Pack Qty: 1

Material: Metal

Size : 8 x 75mm

Category: Roofing Bolts

Finish: Bright Zinc Plated

additional information

Cross slotted mushroom head

This seemed to do the trick on my CG-5 goto, when one of the altitude adjustment bolts had bent. The trade-off is that you will need to use a screwdriver or similar to turn the bolt to adjust the altitude of the polar axis.

You may still need the stainless steel versions if you need the bolt to be strong enought to support a lot of kit.

Ed

[Hypernova]

Thank you for the tip. I went to B&Q today to pick up a pair, two for £1.60. They fit the mount (old SW EQ3-2) perfectly and I now have a usable mount ready for a scope to go on.

The use of a screwdriver for adjustment doesn't bother me too much, I don't suppose I'll change my latitude much for regular observations. I might try and find a hand bolt in that size if one exists as a potential upgrade.

[asteria]

Hi Tom - glad that was a help. They are working fine in mine. I don't use the mount fully laden, so it is unlikely they will bend again, but it is a workable solution for not too much money. All the best. Ed

[asteria]

This is a pic of the fix - it seems to be working fine on my CG-5. I only use light loads - no big imaging rigs.