Rake Straightening/Re-aligning Rake Tines

[SPYDERLK]

Now we are hoping it has not exceeded the yield strength when bending are we not?

By definition, bending exceeds yield strength. We are hoping not to exceed ductility.
larry

 

[Egon]

By definition, bending exceeds yield strength

Now that is a new one me. I need more clarification.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Now that is a new one me. I need more clarification.

Consider the distinction between bending, where give in the metal results in plastic compression/extension [yield around the neutral axis/center] and a new shape, and flex where the metal performs elastically. Yield and bending go together.
larry

 

[Engine66]

Consider the distinction between bending, where give in the metal results in plastic compression/extension [yield around the neutral axis/center] and a new shape, and flex where the metal performs elastically. Yield and bending go together.
larry

Ok Larry...thanks for the college degree. Now back to fixing the problem. Do I replace or keep trying your "yield around the nuetral axis/center?"

I was able to get both tines another 1/2+ inch closer to the rest with a super-sized crescent wrench, so it works, but I'd like to get it there some more. I think I'll try get a piece of pipe and work it some more.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I was able to get both tines another 1/2+ inch closer to the rest with a super-sized crescent wrench, so it works, but I'd like to get it there some more. I think I'll try get a piece of pipe and work it some more.

Use some heat to lessen the chance of breaking them. To avoid changing the temper you need to stay well below red temperature. 6-800F is ok. To gage this, shine the metal, then heat with a propane torch until the silver surface color changes to straw brown and then blue. Do the bend at blue. Itll be easier to bend and less chance of breaking.
larry

 

[Engine66]

Thanks Larry...I'll give it a try.

 

[Neil L]

Larry,
I can't seem to find replacement tines for my 3/4" so I must try to straighten the bent ones. Should I quinch after straighting at blue temp or just leave alone to cool slowly? Any advice on where to get 3/4" tines or how to make? I have 6 broken, and would like to replace.
Thanks,
Neil

 

[SPYDERLK]

Larry,
I can't seem to find replacement tines for my 3/4" so I must try to straighten the bent ones. Should I quinch after straighting at blue temp or just leave alone to cool slowly? Any advice on where to get 3/4" tines or how to make? I have 6 broken, and would like to replace.
Thanks,
Neil

Just let it cool slowly. Blue should not affect temper. As for replacement tines, I have a York brand rake and Im not sure I can even get tines for it any more. I bought some about 8yrs ago, but Im out. Id do an internet search if I were you. If yours arent directly available there are probably some out there you can adapt. I havnt explored the possibility yet, but it is possible a leaf spring specialty house may be able to help.
larry

 

[GreenWannabe]

As for replacement tines, I have a York brand rake and Im not sure I can even get tines for it any more. I bought some about 8yrs ago, but Im out.

You might try York Landscape Rakes, Rotary Brooms, Stone Rakes, Sweepers, and Scarifiers Manufactured by York Modern Corporation. They are still manufacturing York rakes, even if they don't have any dealers in VA.

 

[Redbug]

When I first bought my rake, I figured if you broke a tine, you could just pick up the piece and weld it back. Well, in real life it is not that way. The metal is much like the metal in the leaf springs on your car. When a tine breaks, it breaks in several pieces, not just in half. Those small pieces can fly quite a ways from where it broke, too. That's some pretty brittle metal. Welding won't work very well, even if you do find all the pieces. It's good to have a few spare tines in the workshop. When I am straightening tines back to their original positions, with that kind of brittle metal, I always wear my safety glasses...