Bell Photographs.

[Ernie Runciman]

Jim

That is exactly the problem.  

A very well know firm of bell hangers have replaced the crown staple 
bolts with stainless steel, as well as most of the bell/headstock 
bolts. The bell bolts are also coated. 

All bells also have a split washer on the crown staple so water can 
drain out, hence the rust streaks. 

The main problem is the weather conditions inside the tower (ie 
internally generated rain, etc)

Ernie
Liverpool


--- In bellhistorians at yahoogroups.com, Jim Phillips 
<jim.phillipse9ox at ...> wrote:
>
> 
> Jon wrote:-
> 
> "(it is rust by the way, considering they've spent over 50 years
> in the tower, it's shocking the way they've been left to fall in
> to that state)."
> 
> The rust is coming from the inside of the cast iron headstock
> caused by condensation within the hollow stock and evidences the
> high humidity of the area.  Personally I don't think it is too
> much to worry about and that much can be done about it now.  No
> doubt the installation is subject to a regular inspection and
> maintenance contract by a firm of qualified bellhangers who will
> examine the bolts holding the bell to the stock.
> However I do worry about the tubular steel frames installed in
> many towers for the millennium and since.  They will all be
> rusting from the inside out due to condensation and might soon
> be subject to failure.
>