Strut Straightening

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   Another winter project:  Straighten my (now spare) strut:

My friend loaned me his straightening fixture & bottle jacks.  It's made from heavy channel & angle.  Not much to look at - I might repaint it, to pay him back for the loan.

1st, I checked how far off center each end was by using our kitchen counter 'surface plate'.  One end was 3/8 inch off-center, the other end was 1/8.  I pushed the (full length) bushing about 1/2 way out to make measuring easier.

This is the fixture:

To take the twist out I offset the jacks:

I heated on the strut just above the base plate while straightening it.  I left the pressure on until it cooled off.  It ticked a few times, so I must have either created, or relieved, some stresses.

I over-corrected it the first time, so it took a second try to get it right.  I got it to within 1/16 inch of center on both ends - close enough to align using the hull mounting hole clearance.

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SNobsessed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102	Post Options Post Reply Quote SNobsessed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Strut Straightening Posted: February-14-2009 at 11:52pm
	Another winter project: Straighten my (now spare) strut: My friend loaned me his straightening fixture & bottle jacks. It's made from heavy channel & angle. Not much to look at - I might repaint it, to pay him back for the loan. 1st, I checked how far off center each end was by using our kitchen counter 'surface plate'. One end was 3/8 inch off-center, the other end was 1/8. I pushed the (full length) bushing about 1/2 way out to make measuring easier. This is the fixture: To take the twist out I offset the jacks: I heated on the strut just above the base plate while straightening it. I left the pressure on until it cooled off. It ticked a few times, so I must have either created, or relieved, some stresses. I over-corrected it the first time, so it took a second try to get it right. I got it to within 1/16 inch of center on both ends - close enough to align using the hull mounting hole clearance.
	“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin

Tim D Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-23-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2635	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tim D Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 12:03am
	That's a good trick.
	Tim D

8122pbrainard Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41040	Post Options Post Reply Quote 8122pbrainard Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 9:55am
	Chris, Great pictures and "how to".
	54 Atom 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete <

eric lavine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-13-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13413	Post Options Post Reply Quote eric lavine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 12:05pm
	that thing looks like an old KGB interrogation tool, it would make me talk. actually, i c-clamp them in my press, now i know why all my c-clamps are bent, i think I'll drill some holes and mount the struts like above... good idea! you could even mount a dial indicator to watch the progress.
	"the things you own will start to own you"

SNobsessed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102	Post Options Post Reply Quote SNobsessed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 3:09pm
	Eric - I just guessed as to how far to compensate for springback, wasn't a very close guess. I'm sure you nail it the 1st time!
	“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin

eric lavine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-13-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13413	Post Options Post Reply Quote eric lavine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 3:56pm
	I meant you have a good idea, when i straighten them i go way past the point of straghtness. it seems tough sometimes and you get a bead of sweat going thinking they are about to snap
	"the things you own will start to own you"

eric lavine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-13-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13413	Post Options Post Reply Quote eric lavine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 3:59pm
	you could be the official site strut straightener! post a ship too address lol
	"the things you own will start to own you"

SNobsessed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102	Post Options Post Reply Quote SNobsessed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 9:26pm
	Would be glad to practice on other peoples parts!
	“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin

eric lavine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-13-2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13413	Post Options Post Reply Quote eric lavine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February-15-2009 at 9:52pm
	your device is pretty impressive, you could position the jacks to get the twist out, most times they are twisted and are a beeoch to get the twist out of the struts
	"the things you own will start to own you"

Strut Straightening

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