Strut Straightening
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12867
Printed Date: May-03-2024 at 9:21pm
Topic: Strut Straightening
Posted By: SNobsessed
Subject: Strut Straightening
Date Posted: February-14-2009 at 11:52pm
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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. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Replies:
Posted By: Tim D
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 12:03am
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That's a good trick. ------------- Tim D |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 9:55am
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Chris,
Great pictures and "how to". ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 12:05pm
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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" |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 3:09pm
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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 |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 3:56pm
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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" |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 3:59pm
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you could be the official site strut straightener! post a ship too address lol ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 9:26pm
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Would be glad to practice on other peoples parts! ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: February-15-2009 at 9:52pm
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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" |