How to fix this handle on this type of drain cover?

[earthman]

One side of the handle on the right has totally come away, enough to slid a piece of cardboard under.

I'm guessing that these drains are galvanized so apart from removing that dangerous coating first, is using a Mig or Arc welder a good idea to reattach it? Anyone repaired one of these before??

 

[merryman]

It isn't all that thick, so probably MIG, but whichever is handy would do. Galve fumes aren't that dangerous, and the area you clean off is going to rust, so take the minimum off and put some paint on the area welded.

 

[awemawson]

Plumbers 'non lead' solder works remarkably well with galvanised sheet and is quite strong - given the area of the tab, if you can give it a good clean up and use the proper 'non lead' flux I reckon it'd be strong enough.

I've been using it to put fillets and tabs in various boxes I've made from galvanised or electro zinced sheet

 

[cumbriasteve]

If you don't want to weld it a small csk head nut and bolt would hold it down, there's no weight on them even when lifting out.

 

[Paul.]

Ive done a few of these exactly the same as that for a builder that I do some work for, its a common problem with them, I've used mig, stick or even tig depending on whats running when he comes through the door, although an electrode deals with the galv the best, its a few seconds of a job, don't worry about fumes for such a tiny job, you'll hardly get it hot enough to worry about it, do it near the door if it concerns you.

 

[earthman]

Many thanks for the advice chaps, they obviously don't make these very well from the start hey Paul,....unless that builder is heavy handed.

 

[Paul.]

unless that builder is heavy handed

They do break when they are stuck and someone gives a bit of a tug on them, driving and walking on them bends the handle which stresses the (very poor quality) weld, just typical of the mass produced junk that we have foisted on us nowadays.

 

[pedrobedro]

Best to smack them a few times round the edge before you try to lift them, mostly the galv is all that holds them together. I find it unsticks them a bit. A bolt would be favourite as suggested above.

 

[brightspark]

there utter tripe and really only suitable to be walked on not drove over the amount of dented ones I see I wouldn't buy one

 

[earthman]

there utter tripe and really only suitable to be walked on not drove over the amount of dented ones I see I wouldn't buy one

This one certainly hasn't been driven over, the width between the house and next doors fence isn't wide enough for a vehicle.

 

[julianf]

why not just drill and rivet or bolt?

 

[CompoSimmonite]

why not just drill and rivet or bolt?

That is what i did to my cast iron cover when the handle rotted away - over 30 years ago ! It's lifted regularly as it's the foul cover and is where I put my dogs poop off the lawn

 

[brightspark]

That is what i did to my cast iron cover when the handle rotted away - over 30 years ago ! It's lifted regularly as it's the foul cover and is where I put my dogs poop off the lawn

deep sh...t then

 

[earthman]

why not just drill and rivet or bolt?

Aye, I'm thinking of drilling and tapping an hole into the handle, that way I can cut the bolt flush with the top of the cover too.

 

[Cobbler]

Nice big pop rivet, 30 seconds & job done. I think your over thinking it, it's only a manhole cover.

 

[fixerupper]

I think I would weld it with the stick welder ..

 

[pedrobedro]

Nice big pop rivet, 30 seconds & job done. I think your over thinking it, it's only a manhole cover.

I was thinking roof bolt, won't stick up any more than the bossing on the lid.

 

[awemawson]

Trouble is, any welding will result in a rusty hole this time next year as the galvanising will be history

 

[Cobbler]

Nice big pop rivet, 30 seconds & job done. I think your over thinking it, it's only a manhole cover.

I was thinking roof bolt, won't stick up any more than the bossing on the lid.

I thought pop rivet as I've got loads, roofing bolt I don't think I have ...... I'd have to go & BUY some, can't be doing with that