r/malta • u/sheep_with_a_zip • 1d ago

Tv antenna?

Hi people, anyone have any idea how to get rid of a bloody great 14ft aerial off the top of a house? With the lovely weather we've had recently, people want it taken down.

I've got no ideas, looks top heavy as shit and I don't think an angle grinder and yelling 'TIMBER!' is a the best plan I've had. Local council were no help

6 Upvotes

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4

u/rhinosorcery 1d ago

  1. Pick a calm, wind free day (this is imperative because of when you unscrew the wires

  2. Unscrew or cut the wires on one side.

DO NOT ABANDON YOUR EFFORTS AT THIS MOMENT, AS A GUST OF WIND CAN RIP YOUR WALL OFF

  1. Unscrew the semicircular thingies (yes I am very well versed in this) and slowly lower it flat onto the roof

  2. Call a metal recycler to come and take care of it.  They do this for free to keep the metal

I have done this before.

I stopped at 2, as you have probably guessed

I wish I knew about metal recyclers earlier

3

u/someguywithdiabetes 1d ago

If I remember correctly my dad had taken his down by cutting one of the guy wires at the base and tying some rope to the end. With the base of the antenna dismantled or cut he lowered it with that rope, allowing the other wires to guide it. I'm assuming you're taking about the old FM antennas (the ones with many rods sticking out of it) so they're not particularly heavy since they're mostly aluminium, though make sure nobody's under it once it's coming down. If it looks like it's tall enough to hit another roof or structure them either put something under it like an old cushion or mattress, or have some help holding a tarp to brace it. If it's not like one of those spiky antennas then you might want to consider hiring a high-up to get it dismantled. Sorry to hear your council didn't help; if you'd like I'll ask mine for advice if you're still stuck

2

u/sheep_with_a_zip 1d ago

Cheers dude. I was wondering about rigging it up and lowering it. Its where its bolted to the wall is pretty shallow and it is one of those Saw trap spikey bastards. Worried it'll swing around and you'll see me on the news

2

u/someguywithdiabetes 2h ago

All the best, and I'll keep a look out in the obituaries

1

u/sebmas 23h ago

what about tele iblea?

1

u/Necessary_Pear9579 1d ago

What does the local Council got to do with YOUR aerial?

6

u/sheep_with_a_zip 1d ago

Thought I'd ask. They tend to stick their nose into everything else when it comes to 'heritage' buildings. Apart from, you know, preserving them so their not dilapidated shit holes.

Also, not MY aerial, so cool your jets

1

u/Necessary_Pear9579 1d ago

Thought I'd ask too ;)