....and on to the garage door

[Tass]

Can anyone offer suggestions as to how to patch a small crack in a metal garage door? It is sagging just enough next to a hinge that the opener can't pull it down. Up is ~ok. Works ok manually, just have to take the pressure off the bad spot and it rolls down fine.

Was wondering if a small bracket type piece of metal can be attached to support the weak spot? Can't afford to replace the door...


Tass
(attaching a picture of the crack)

[Tregs]

Can you remove the hinge and scab it with a 12-18" piece of flat stock, then reattach the hinge over the scab? I'm guessing there is enough room on the wheel track 1/4" want make a difference, but if it does, you may be able to scab it from behind. From the picture, it looks like you can get to the backside of the torn metal.

[Oldgringo]

From what I can see, a "L" shape piece of 3/4" plywood (or metal) though-bolted under the broken piece tight against the vertival hinge brace might hold it up for awhile. Put your brace on the inside and paint the bolt heads to match the door on the outside.

...or something like that...

Good luck.

[jester]

Have you tried JB Weld?

[Tass]

Have you tried JB Weld?

I was thinking some kind of bracket, but JB Weld sounds like a good first try.

Thanks!

[Oldgringo]

Have you tried JB Weld?

I was thinking some kind of bracket, but JB Weld sounds like a good first try.

Thanks!

Bracket/brace first then JB weld to hold the repaired piece together.

[Tass]

Gotcha! (that's why I love you guys so much!)

[jimlongley]

Have you tried JB Weld?

I was thinking some kind of bracket, but JB Weld sounds like a good first try.

Thanks!

Bracket/brace first then JB weld to hold the repaired piece together.

Concur.

[lonewolf]

Mine did the exact same thing. I used a small size angle iron about 2 1/2 feet long as the scab. The angle gives extra support against bending where the door is already weak. Drilled six holes and used self tapping sheet metal screws to attach to door. Mounted behind hinge no problem. Further examination showed that the vertical member that the "J" bar from the garage door opener attaches to was also cracked. Installed a piece of flat stock 1/4" thick all the way from the top of the panel to the bottom and reattached the connection. Problem solved.

Edit to add: I believe JB weld would not be sufficient, as there is changing flex, stress, and such on these parts as the door raises and lowers. JB weld is good for a lot of things, but I would be more likely to believe that this application would have disappointing results in the long run.

[Tass]

Lonewolf,

Where would be the best place to find the angle iron? I'm guessing it's not a standard Home Depot product. Do the holes need to be pre-drilled?

Tass

[lonewolf]

actually, it is readily available at Home Depot. They sell it in several different lengths/sizes. Not expensive. I did predrill the angle iron, but I let the self tapping sheet metal screws drill into the panel for retention.

[The Annoyed Man]

Tass, are you trying to get us to help with a honey-do list?

My answer: Pack a little C4 around it, and then place an equal amount on the opposite end of the door at the same hinge/level, and then ignite it. The crack will magically disappear.

BTW, my wife doesn't usually ask me to fix things anymore. I wonder why....

[Oldgringo]

Lonewolf,

Where would be the best place to find the angle iron? I'm guessing it's not a standard Home Depot product. Do the holes need to be pre-drilled?

Tass

Tass,

I really liked the jumping horse photo. If you were to take a picture/photo of your situation to either Lowes or Home Depot, I'm willing to bet that you'll get beaucoup help...and a few suggestions.

Just sayin...

[jimlongley]

Drop by the Home Depot in Allen, and ask for Freddie or Jay in hardware, or talk to Jim in Appliances or Kitchens (where do we know him from?) and you will receive all kinds of good assistance. BTW, I work 0900 to 1800 tomorrow.

Angle iron, 'L' brackets, straight repair plates, are all available, and although I agree that JB Weld is not the end all solution, adding it can't hurt, and the JB Weld can cut down on flexing and strain between screws.

A bunch of years ago I was shooting an IDPA match and stuck my 1911 through a window port. I scraped the front sight right off in recoil and shot the rest of the match with no front sight. Not fun. Upon getting home I called my gunsmith and was given a 6 week estimate for replacing the sight. Since there was a regional match a couple of weeks away, I didn't want to wait that long, so I called a couple of other 'smiths, and their estimates were even longer.

So I got out the JB Weld and reattached the front sight, that I had retrieved after the stage, myself. And it worked so well that I promptly ignored it for a year and a half, when it finally fell off again, this time never to be found. My toolbox is never without JB Weld.

[Tass]

Tass, are you trying to get us to help with a honey-do list?

If anyone is interested in a list, I don't think i'll have a problem with that!

Geez, can't seem to find Allen, TX on 290 between Hempstead and Houston...bummer!

I was able to find the angle iron and a very nice man was kind enough to go the rental tool area and cut it for me

Gonna have to study on this one for a few days (actualy, i'm pooped....). I'll let y'all know how things go.

(BTW: The sink cleared up fine.)

Tass