Monday, November 12, 2012

Iron Railing Repair

Wrought-iron fences will last for ages with proper maintenance or repair.


Iron fencing and railings are often used in historic areas for the metal's simple beauty and high quality. Iron railing is often made of an iron alloy that is durable and easy to weld. Wrought iron is so tough that it can take multiple repairs without weakening, making it ideal for high traffic areas. A broken iron railing may need reinforcement to stop wobbling, removal of rust to prevent decay and other repairs to make it look like new again. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


Rust


1. Inspect the fence for signs of rusting. Look at joints along the fence to locate rust.


2. Cut out the rusted portion of iron using a hacksaw.


3. Slide a slip shoe the right size for the iron over the cut area. A slip shoe is a small metal plate with a socket in the center, that fits over railing. Slide the shoe over both sections of the cut iron. Tighten the fastener using a wrench.


4. Drill holes into the shoe where the shoe meets the cut railing. Insert the anchors into the shoe to tighten it.


5. Paint the shoe the color of the railing by adding a non-rust primer using a primer brush, then painting the railing with new paint. Use a direct to metal (DTM) paint on the iron.


General Repair


6. Unscrew loose bolts in the masonry using a wrench. Pull out stuck bolts with pliers. Replace any loose bolt with a bolt that is larger in width or length.


7. Drill a hole into the masonry using an electric drill with a carbide bit.


8. Blow out any dust from the hole.


9. Mix together metal-based epoxy using the instructions on the label and fill the hole with the epoxy. Let it cure according to the instructions.


10. Tighten the new bolts into the epoxy using a wrench.







Tags: using wrench, epoxy using, into shoe, masonry using, slip shoe