Cracked Grapple

[Canal Navvy]

I'd agree with drilling out the tip of the crack,allowing for the bit you can't see,so that you interupt the growth.

Vee out the more difficult side and put in a single good run.Grind out the easy side right back into root of the opposite side.Use several runs to fill

the V. as the fill & capping runs will refine the previous runs.

I'd use either MMA with basic electrodes (**18(must be dry)) or mig/mag with clean wire and proper shielding gas.

 

The job must be a goodun especially if it is to be L.O.L.E.R.d:thumbup1:

[treequip]

If you do decide to weld it drill a small hole, approx 3mm, at the end of the crack before you start welding it...

 

Otherwise as you weld it you could end up chasing the crack right through it

 

It’s the nature of fractures that the extremities go invisible to the naked eye so trying to interrupt it with a small drill bit is a bit hit and miss. If you want to be certain you got it use a crack detection spray.

 

Over plating the repaired fracture is a good idea, I would also drill the plate and “spot” through it for a better grip. It sounds like this bit of kit is nearing the end of its service, there is only so much you can ask steel to do before it capitulates.

 

Be ready for more cracks.