On 22 Dec 2004 13:44:34 -0800, wrote:

Hi

I have a strut on a pram that has sheared. It's at a 'springy' point
but isn't particularly load bearing. The fracture hasn't caused any
distortion to the tube, and the two halves still mate nicely.

Main problem is that the fracture is just at the end of a curved
section, so making a suitable plug to tap into each end won't work.

The tube is aluminium (or an alloy), so 'simple' welding doesn't seem
to be an option for repairing it. The tube is also one of several
welded into a reasonably complex array, and so isn't easily detachable
for popping some type of replacement in.

I have thought of two ways of repairing it:

1) Cut the tube off at a lower straigh point, make up a replacement
section and join to the original: a) with suitable plug/dowel; b) by
welding old to new. From these two I'd prefer 1a as I can just about
do all of that myself.

2) Align and secure the two parts, then fill with some suitable epoxy
or meltable resin. Once set the resin would need to have the strength
and durability under flexing to keep the joint stable.

Can anyone comment on the merits or otherwise of these suggestions, or
contribute more?

In case it helps, the tube OD is about 22mm, with a wall thickness of
about 3mm.

Hi,

How about a plug of smaller dia tube held in with JB Weld? Or use a
polyurethane sealant/adhesive which would absorb some flexing.

cheers,
Pete.