How to open this up ~ 1/8"?

[square1]

What would be the best way to straighten the lower member of this trailer tongue? Its 1/2" thick x 2 1/4" wide. I'm afraid if I try prying / wedging against the top, the top will bend up instead of the bottom bending down. I don't have acetylene torches

The only plan I can come up with is to run two or three welds across the bottom piece then drive a steel felling wedge between the top & bottom with my sledge hammer.

Hoping more experienced minds here might have a better plan or be able to tell me why mine will or will not work.

 

[Shield Arc]

The only plan I can come up with is to run two or three welds across the bottom piece then drive a steel felling wedge between the top & bottom with my sledge hammer.


View attachment 428579

That will work. Make sure you make the welds on the ground side, as it is pictured.

 

[square1]

That will work. Make sure you make the welds on the ground side, as it is pictured.

Thanks! Going to have to flip the whole trailer over though, getting better at vertical up, no way I'm attempting overhead or upside down or whatever it's called

 

[Shield Arc]

Really if you think about it. There is no difference in doing overhead, and flat welding.
If you can, get comfortable. Hold a close arc length.
Personally I think where people have a hard time with overhead, is the fear of getting burned. Guess what? You're playing with fire, you're going to get burned!

 

[SimS]

If you are already thinking of arc welding on the tongue. I would first saw a kerf in the piece at the place where you want it to bend, drive your wedge and then weld up the cut. The cut will make the bottom piece weaker than the top so it should make the bottom easier to bend back into line. My two cents.

SimS

 

[k0ua]

If you are already thinking of arc welding on the tongue. I would first saw a kerf in the piece at the place where you want it to bend, drive your wedge and then weld up the cut. The cut will make the bottom piece weaker than the top so it should make the bottom easier to bend back into line. My two cents.

SimS

Now that is an idea I would not have thought of.

 

[square1]

Really if you think about it. There is no difference in doing overhead, and flat welding.
If you can, get comfortable. Hold a close arc length.
Personally I think where people have a hard time with overhead, is the fear of getting burned. Guess what? You're playing with fire, you're going to get burned!

Hmmm...it's an old trailer for hauling wood out with the tractor...what the heck, no better place to practice! Probably won't be posting pics though

 

[square1]

Now that is an idea I would not have though of.

Has merit, doesn't it?

 

[Shield Arc]

Here is an overhead weld I made with 5/32" 6010. Should have taken a little more time when cleaning the slag off. Now overhead with 6010, is like standing in a shower of sparks.:laughing:

 

[square1]

^^^ For the record, you disgust me ^^^
Alright, heading out to get this project in the books!