How would you straighten this?

[jimmysisson]

This is an adjustable support leg from a DR off-road trailer. I don't use the legs much, so naturally one time I did I left it down when I went to move the trailer. Drug it through some sod until it dawned on me what happened, doh.

So, should I try to bend it back? Or cut out the worst of the bend, bevel grind, and reweld the pipe? Bending has the advantage of not ruining the finish, whatever it is. I'm not worried about welding it though. I can't just cut it shorter as it won't be useful then. Ideas?

Thanks, Jim

 

[bigdeano]

Can you put it back in the socket and use a come along to pull it back straight? You might be able to get it straight enough to use.

 

[Industrial Toys]

How strong is the tubing? Could you drill a hole in the bottom of the foot so you could slide a bar or pipe in there? Arrest it somehow and use a lever in the other end. Weld the hole in the foot closed again if you wish, or leave it for next time.

Maybe the answer to your question has more to do with what resources you have at your disposal.

Buy a hydraulic tubing bender from HF and return it. I think they call that their "Rental For FREE Plan".

Go to a muffler shop with a tubing bender. Many places are glad to help a guy out if it is a two minute fix and not an involved project. Coffee money (off the books) for them.

 

[ProjectKing]

This is an adjustable support leg from a DR off-road trailer. I don't use the legs much, so naturally one time I did I left it down when I went to move the trailer. Drug it through some sod until it dawned on me what happened, doh. So, should I try to bend it back? Or cut out the worst of the bend, bevel grind, and reweld the pipe? Bending has the advantage of not ruining the finish, whatever it is. I'm not worried about welding it though. I can't just cut it shorter as it won't be useful then. Ideas? Thanks, Jim <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=477241"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=477240"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=477239"/>

Be careful welding it. It's galvanized. Read about welding galvanized metal.

Option 1: Order new part from DR (what I would do)

Option 2: Cut off bent tube from foot and weld foot to new tube. Drill hole for pin. Paint silver to match galvanized finish.

Option 3: Attempt to bend straight in a hydraulic press or using rigged up hydraulic jack against bottom of a truck hitch or something heavy. Use boards to prevent tube from collapsing. Be very careful pipe doesn't shoot out and smack you in face. Pipe will never be right even after bending and will be weakened.

If you have more money than time. Option 1. If you have more time than money... Option 2.

Fix it and move on. (0: Mistakes happen.

 

[Deere Dude]

I would try straitening it with a log-splitter for the force. I did that a lot of times.

Once straightened somewhat, how about turning it upside down. Weld the foot on the crooked end and put the straight end in the clamp..

 

[/pine]

If I was going to try and straighten it (rather than replace) I would pack it tight with sand duct tape the ends...place it on something flat and solid and with a wooden pillow block pound the bend out with a 2# sledge etc...

 

[Shield Arc]

It looks like the tube maybe too far gone. But you could try heating an oval shape where I have it drawn. Heat the area, and use a garden hose to cool it off.

 

[jimmysisson]

Great ideas, thanks! I think I'll try to straighten it some and also weld the foot onto the crooked end. That way it will slide better. Meantime I'll price a new one. I bought the trailer cheap so I might not feel so bad. But bad enough to not bend it again, I hope.
The tubing is 1/8" wall, pretty stout (the whole trailer is, for that matter).
Thanks again
Jim

 

[bcp]

Nail 2 parallel 2x4's on a plywood, lay the tube (bend up) between them, then drive over it.

Bruce

 

[Midniteoyl]

I second finding a shop with a mandrel tube bender and having it straightened.. Or, if you have the means, doing it yourself. You need that mandrel though.