Thread: RHS welding distortion

Originally Posted by atregent

I may be able to pull it back by running some beads on the opposite side of the hanger welds, but I don't want to introduce any more potential points of failure.

Is there anything I can do to remedy the situation, or do I just have to live with it now?

Instead of welding the opposite side, just heating that side will achieve a similar result. As the hot spots cool and contract it will straighten out the rails. Adding some weight to your spring hangers and supporting the rails at each end might help. I think there's a few threads here that give details on heating to fix distortion. Not sure about stresses and trailers - but I'm sure other knowledgeable folk here will comment on that.

Cheers

- Mick

I'd suggest posting the question over at the trailer forum:
TRAILERS & OTHER FABRICATED STUFF - Woodwork Forums

As it's infested with trailer-building gurus.

Originally Posted by WelderMick

Instead of welding the opposite side, just heating that side will achieve a similar result. As the hot spots cool and contract it will straighten out the rails. Adding some weight to your spring hangers and supporting the rails at each end might help. I think there's a few threads here that give details on heating to fix distortion. Not sure about stresses and trailers - but I'm sure other knowledgeable folk here will comment on that.

Cheers

- Mick

Unfortunately, the only thing I have that would come close to producing the heat I would need is a little butane blowtorch that we use for browning the top of creme caramel, and I really don't think that would quite cut muster.

I was tossing up if here or the trailer forum would be the best bet, I figured it was more of a technique thing. I'll stick my head over the fence and see if anyone has some advice for me.

Yep you should be able to pull it back by running some beads on the opposite side . i have done similar plenty of times . Dont over do it though - run a couple of beads and let it cool and see how far it bends back and if not enough add some more . good luck ----

Hi atregent, avoid any further welding if possible and if its only a few mm 2-3 i would not worry about it. If you are after a flat rail then prop up each end . place a bit of 4by2 and give a hit with the sledge hammer. Putting extra welds on the opposite side is not the right way to straighten a piece of steel up. Over welding can cause you more issues than you would ever want and highly cause the spring hanger to fail by cracking at the welds.