Author Topic: Weld repair hardware cloth w/ Bernzomatic and Propane?  (Read 1222 times)

jeromedawg

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Weld repair hardware cloth w/ Bernzomatic and Propane?
« on: November 01, 2018, 01:57:04 PM »
Hey all,

Was curious for those of you who have experience with welding and metalwork, if it's possible to use a Bernzomatic TS8000+Coleman propane canister do a quick repair on some hardware cloth sections where the weld joints have come undone? I just bought some hardware cloth and am making crab snares, and on some of the joints that I've nipped near, the welds have come undone. This is on 16-gauge wire btw.

If this is possible, what precautions should I take and or protective wear? Just do it outside perhaps with safety glasses/goggles, gloves and pliers or clamps to keep everything still?

Fishindude

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Re: Weld repair hardware cloth w/ Bernzomatic and Propane?
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2018, 04:10:48 PM »
Near impossible for anyone but a highly skilled welder, however you can give it a shot and see what happens.
My thinking is you would be better off mechanically fastening things somehow.

lthenderson

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Re: Weld repair hardware cloth w/ Bernzomatic and Propane?
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2018, 07:31:13 AM »
About all you can do with a bensomatic air/propane torch is melt solder which isn't really a good solution for holding power. To really do something with holding strength, you need an oxygen tank used in conjunction with the propane. I would go with the mechanical fastener solution as well.

jeromedawg

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Re: Weld repair hardware cloth w/ Bernzomatic and Propane?
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2018, 09:00:55 AM »
Thanks guys! 16 gauge is pretty strong and not too easy to bend without pliers to begin with, so it should be OK. Worst case, I can just cut some stray pieces and wrap them against another section to reinforce.

SweatingInAR

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Re: Weld repair hardware cloth w/ Bernzomatic and Propane?
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2018, 11:33:54 AM »
I agree with all above, welding wires together is hard enough for a novice with proper gear.

Just wrap some extra wire around it, or use a zip tie. My crayfish traps are held together with zip ties. A decent size pack is ~$2 at harbor freight, sometimes free with any purchase.

($1.50 this weekend http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/45_ITEM_8__CABLE_TIES_PACK_OF_100_1541127556.8673.png )