Results 1 to 11 of 11
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default Fixing a bent tool drawer

    A mate loaned his ute to the plumber next door to move a small excavator trailer.
    Unfortunately the tool drawer in the back wasn't latched properly and hooked on the trailer as it turned.
    The drawer lost the fight.





    I offered to give fixing it a bash (more likely give it a bash in the hope of fixing it!!)

    Started off with some decent g-clamps etc but hardly moved it so excised the most badly damaged area and hammered the bottom back into reasonable shape.





    Steve

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    Hi Steve, I'd replace the whole side on that drawer, as no matter how hard and long you spend on it, it'll always looked a patchup job. DAMHIKT.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    I agree Kryn, no way to get it looking perfect, particularly when there's not even any paint to hide the repair!
    It's his work ute so for now it was just a case of getting it functional.

    Steve

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    I used the press to do the major straightening of the removed piece, then with a combination of cut/bash/tack/bash/weld/grind it all took on a bit more of a normal shape.



    Ended up with a decent gap due to combined kerf widths so used a backing strip to make it easier to bridge with weld.





    All done and a coat of cold gal to stop it rusting.





    Steve

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Bendigo
    Age
    60
    Posts
    419

    Default

    Easy fix.

    Get $@#*&$= plumber to own his actions and replace what he butchered.

    But thinking about it more he may just make it worse even if he didn’t touch it himself.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by droog View Post
    Easy fix.

    Get $@#*&$= plumber to own his actions and replace what he butchered.

    But thinking about it more he may just make it worse even if he didn’t touch it himself.
    It guess it gets a bit messy as to who's fault it was - i.e. maybe the drawer was already closed but not latched??

    I just unbented it a bit and didn't even ask...

    Steve

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    I used to make drawer units for the back of 4WD's. usually the fridge was mounted on a slide down low with a metal drawer above the fridge and a table to work from.
    A couple of ladies wanted a unit made up but didn't want the table. It was made to their requirements and installed, I made a comment along the lines of make sure that you lock the drawer properly.
    A month later, they came back from their trip with the back window or what was left of it covered with 100MPH tape, and asked for the table to be fitted, seems that each other thought the other had secured the drawer.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    For sure, 100% chance a rear drawer unit with a manual latch will get left unlocked at some point. IMO the latching needs to be automatic, either the slam type central latches or the ones on the drawer slide itself.

    Our current home made unit in the back of the old Landrover has manual latches and we've left them undone countless times. Thankfully only about 50mm clearance to the back door so you just get a clunk on takeoff - no damage.

    Steve

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Southern Flinders Ranges
    Posts
    1,536

    Default

    All the company vehicles I’ve driven with service bodies that have belly trays like that have had switches of some type on the latch that was attached to an audible alarm in the cab that also worked on the gull wings. If you don’t have an alarm it’s only a matter of time before you drive off with one of the drawers/doors open.

    Nice work on the repair, hope your mate slipped you a few cold ones for it.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,438

    Default

    Hi Guys,

    When I made the camper van kitchen unit, the two drawers have drop latches ! You have to deliberately lift the latch to close the draw. This means that it cannot come open unless the draw isn't closed. By the same token, you have to lift the latch to open the drawers.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Frankston south
    Posts
    102

    Default

    Nice save, that.

Similar Threads

  1. Bent trailer frame/chassis
    By UserError in forum TRAILERS & OTHER FABRICATED STUFF
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 8th Jun 2016, 08:58 PM
  2. Bent Shaft
    By GSRocket in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 29th Sep 2015, 06:31 PM
  3. bent drawbar
    By kwappa in forum TRAILERS & OTHER FABRICATED STUFF
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 10th Apr 2011, 10:16 PM
  4. bent skeg
    By toby.1944@hotma in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 18th Dec 2008, 09:08 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •