Repair or replacement gazebo strut

[bassmansimon]

I have a coleman gazebo but one of the side struts is bent and nearly broken off. Unfortunately coleman doesn't do repairs or have spare parts for the frame.

I believe it's probably aluminium (quite light). Any suggestions on where i cam buy a piece of similar shape tubing? It's oval shape (rectangular tubing with rounded edges).

I'm a novice with metalwork but was hoping to get a replacement bar then drill new holes. The bar is about 124cm, approximately 22x11mm tube. Would i be advised to just get some galvanized steel round tubing? Bunnings has 16mmx1.2mm lengths or 19mm x 1.2mm lengths of round steel tubing. If so would you recommend flattening the ends down?

[Michael G]

I've had to do that job for the Scouts and I don't think the tube is a common size (I couldn't find it). I eventually decided to squash it as best I could back into the right shape and then TIG weld the tube together.
Perhaps post this question in the welding forum and ask if there is a TIG welder in Sydney that can help. It's only a small job so should not take too long.

Michael

[bassmansimon]

Thanks Michael. My brother in law used to be a boiler maker and surely has a few welders lying around. I had thought this was beyond repair but maybe not!

[Stustoys]

Did it bend in normal use or is it the result of an accident?
I'd be tempted to beat it back into shape and epoxy a piece of that wood stuff inside.

Stuart

[bassmansimon]

Not sure i just noticed it when i put it up today. I say it's probably had pressure on it from leaning or hanging something maybe. I might give that a go first, and reinforce with a tig weld