Epoxy vs JB Weld
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
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From: SE Iowa
Epoxy vs JB Weld
I have an old screw jack that is cracked along the side. I'd like to try to save it. Welding it out of the question because I dont have a furnace to control the preheat and stress releaving post-heat. Material is ductile cast iron.
My thoughts are to grind the crack on both sides and use either an epoxy or JB Weld. Both have their own advantages, but does either have the advantage in this application? Epoxy has one advantage being more of a liquid and will form to the crack better. Other the other side JB weld may work better with iron.
Before anyone mentions it...yes, i know it will never be as strong, and know not to rely on it where safety is concerned. It's a 20 ton screw jack, and if will survive as a 2-4 ton I'd be happy.
My thoughts are to grind the crack on both sides and use either an epoxy or JB Weld. Both have their own advantages, but does either have the advantage in this application? Epoxy has one advantage being more of a liquid and will form to the crack better. Other the other side JB weld may work better with iron.
Before anyone mentions it...yes, i know it will never be as strong, and know not to rely on it where safety is concerned. It's a 20 ton screw jack, and if will survive as a 2-4 ton I'd be happy.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Well, I'm going to mention it anyways:
Don't. An antique screw jack isn't worth it. Cast iron typically has a yield strength of around 53,000psi, while JBWeld is more like 3200psi, with about a 700psi bond strength. It will not hold a couple tons, I wouldn't trust it with a couple hundred pounds.
Replace the jack.
Don't. An antique screw jack isn't worth it. Cast iron typically has a yield strength of around 53,000psi, while JBWeld is more like 3200psi, with about a 700psi bond strength. It will not hold a couple tons, I wouldn't trust it with a couple hundred pounds.
Replace the jack.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 346
From: SE Iowa
A buddy of mine talked me into trying to weld it. I'll probably get some nickel rod and give it a try. I'm sure it will crack, but then I'm not out anything. If it will hold one corner of the truck up for a few days, that will be its new job. Its a lot easier luggin a small screw jack outside to change a tire than a floor jack. especially with a gravel driveway.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Be careful, man. It is one thing to use it to jack something up, but the only thing that should be used to hold something up are jackstands.
Don't want to be readin' about you in the newspaper obits. Not even in the "dumbbest things done in a garage thread"
Don't want to be readin' about you in the newspaper obits. Not even in the "dumbbest things done in a garage thread"
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 346
From: SE Iowa
I dont ever leave a vehicle up without jack stands. Not going to happen. But if this thing will lift the truck long enough to put a stand under it, I'll be happy. Much lighter than a floor jack.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: New Mexico
If it will fit, use your oven or the BBQ grill for the preheat and post heat. The nickel rod is correct and just go slowly. But then, shouldn't the old thing be a wall hanger by now? It would be tough to trust it with some meaningful weight upon it.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
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From: SE Iowa
Actually, I did go thru with welding it with nickel rod. I bought a 800 degree temp stick and preheated with a torch. I kept the beads short and made sure to not get it too hot. After it was done, I buried it in sand to let it cool slowly. Turned out pretty good. For a test, I lifted one corner of my granfather's old International tandem axle dump truck and left it for a week. It held up just fine.
I have NO intention of ever using it where safety is a concern, just wanted a jack to carry around that doesnt weight a 100lbs. It lifts smoothly, and a jackstand goes in place before the tire comes off. Already used it once to change a tire on the tractor. So I fixed it for less than $20, and trust it more than a cheap China made bottle jack.
I have NO intention of ever using it where safety is a concern, just wanted a jack to carry around that doesnt weight a 100lbs. It lifts smoothly, and a jackstand goes in place before the tire comes off. Already used it once to change a tire on the tractor. So I fixed it for less than $20, and trust it more than a cheap China made bottle jack.
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