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DIY Lightning Arrester

A lightning arrester is a device that directs an electrical charge from a lightning strike down to the ground. It is used to protect equipment that is electrically parallel with the arrester. You can make your own lightning arrester using various materials purchased at a local hardware or home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

3 1/2-inch square block of wood
1/16-inch piece of brass
Binding posts
Power drill
Screw
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Place the square block of wood on the piece of brass, and trace around it with the felt tip marker. Cut the piece of brass into two L-shaped pieces and a square piece.
- 2
  Set the L-shaped pieces on the square block of wood to make a "U" shape. Leave 1/16 inch between the pieces of brass.
- 3
  Drill two 1/8-inch holes into each L-shaped piece with the power drill. Drill one hole at the top and the other at the bottom.
- 4
  Insert the binding posts into the holes, and tap with the hammer. This will secure the brass pieces to the block of wood.
- 5
  Place the square piece of brass in-between the two L-shaped pieces. Drill two 1/8-inch holes using the power drill.
- 6
  Insert a binding post into one of the holes, and tap with the hammer. Insert a screw into the second hole, and tighten with the screwdriver.

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