how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

[cullen493]

I have an old trailer with a welded on coupler and jack. I need to replace both of them and I have tried grinding them but all of the grinding wheels keep breaking off and that doesn't seem to be doing much. I heard that an acetylene torch would also do it but I am not experienced with that. Could someone please give me some ideas to how I can get the coupler and jack off.

Thanks

 

[Av8nBill]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

I just did the same thing with mine. I didn't have access to a torch or feel comfortable enough using it on something that could get weakened if I screwed it up.

I used a Dremel with the diamond cut-off wheels. Basically just cut the welds and then used a cold chisel/hammer to finish getting it off. Then used the angle grinder to smooth it down before prepping for paint. Turned out real nice, but it did take some time, patience and a couple of the wheels. Good luck.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

the jack you can just remove the snap ring and take off the jack only, then put the now one on in a different place.
The hitch if you can t get it off you may have to cut the tounge right behind it and then install the new one. If that will make it to short, you can get one of those swing away conversion kits and make it longer.

Also try buying better cut-off wheels. Not the cheap dime store one.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

Also try buying better cut-off wheels. Not the cheap dime store one.

+1, also be aware of the difference of a cut off wheel, and a grinding wheel. Any sideways pressure will break a cut off wheel.

Ian

 

[cullen493]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

Thanks for your reply that really helped. I am thinking about buying a dremel tool today which one did you use? I am comparing the multimax and the 4000 series rotary tool.

 

[Av8nBill]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

I'm not sure what model, just a basic Dremel. But I've got a boatload of accessories. I'm at work or I'd check for you. All I've got to say is there oughta be a shrine built somewhere for the guy that invented the Dremel. I've found so many uses for it that anytime I need to fix something, the wife asks "are you using the Dremel?"

 

[basspirate]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

i would stay away from a torch. it deforms the metal, it removes the galvanization and its hard to just remove the weld

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

Use a dremel for precise type of work.
I had a dremel for about 10 years, used it for everything till I got a Rotozip.

Lots of accessories. Between my RotoZip and angle grinder, Nothing will stand in my way when I do projects.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

I saw my welder buddy cut one off with a torch in five minutes. (Not the tongue the coupler) Had it cleaned up and welded a new one on in fifteen minutes. I really wish I was a better welder. Watching a good one work really makes you appreciate their craft.

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

If you already have the replacement parts, I'd tow the trailer to a welding shop and have them cut the old and weld in the new. Well worth it compared to the time and effort you'd spend.

 

[Cofe]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

If I were doing the job, I'd use a cutting torch, or a 4-1/2 grinder with a thin metal cutting blade. I know it isn't the safest thing to do, but I remove the grinder guard, and use the left or right side of the grinding blade, and never the the front or tip. Use gloves, goggles, face shield, and wear an old long sleeve shirt.

4-1/2' grinders cost anywhere from $9.50 to $150.00 . Purchase one on how much you will be using it. Remember as mentioned the higher priced metal blades are far better at cutting than the cheepos.

 

[motorpsykler]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

Use a 4 or 4.5" angle grinder with a cut-off blade. Thin ones break easier but cut faster. Any sideways or twisting pressure will break either one. Study the weld and cut it right where the two metals meet. Score your cut lightly at first to start your groove, then you can come back at it with a little more pressure, but let the wheel do the work. Don't cut all the way through, you will probably go too far. Cut most of the way through and hammer off the coupler. Then put a 40 grit flap disc on your grinder and clean off the frame. If you don't have a grinder, the Menards Tool Shop brand 4.5" grinder is pretty damn good for the price. It is less than $25 new and you can catch them on sale for $15. I have a Makita and 3 Tool shop grinders. I put my cutting disc on the Makita and the Tool Shops each have a grinding wheel, wire cup brush, and a flap disc.

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

If you already have the replacement parts, I'd tow the trailer to a welding shop and have them cut the old and weld in the new. Well worth it compared to the time and effort you'd spend.

Being a welder myself that's the best advice I've read on this thread. The only way metal gets deformed by a torch is up to who's holding the torch.
Mike

 

[Viking...]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

+1 on the 4 1/2" angle grinder, but don't remove the guard.
It's adjustable, just loosen the screw and move it to the left side of the circle, then re-tighten.
You want to cut using the right side, since the grinder spins clockwise.
The force of the grinder will feel like it's pulling away from you...much easier to control, and safer.

If you are cutting through steel, use the zipcuts (very thin).
If you are grinding the welds off, use discs that are thicker than 3/16", so they don't deflect and break.

After a bit of practice, you will get the hang of using a grinder.
The trick is to have good footing, and be in a position where you have balance and are comfortable.
No, not like your La-Z-Boy recliner, but...well you get the idea.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

with the money you will waste on reinforced dremel cut off wheels, you can add another fine tool ( 4 inch grinder ) to your collection

 

[Stachi]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

with the money you will waste on reinforced dremel cut off wheels, you can add another fine tool ( 4 inch grinder ) to your collection

truth is , you will wonder how you got along without a 4" grinder once you have one...

 

[Cofe]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

Warning!!
After rereading this post, I thought to mention that if you plan on welding the new hitch and jack, to get an experienced weldor to do the welding. Parts that are in dangerous service, like a hitch, need to be put on right, or they could kill someone down the road. This is not a welding job for a novice. I have seen and heard of faulty welded hitches breaking off and causing serious damage.

 

[tds1774]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

I'm a certified welder/ fabricator. the absolute best & my opinion the only way to remove what you have described is a good grinder (10,000 rpm +) and use good grinding disc, the thinner the better. I would use a 1/16 cutting disc. do not buy them from northern or harbor freight or biglots they will just discentergrate. with 1/16 disc lightly score a straight line thru the center of the weld you may not be able to get all the way into the corners thats ok well fix that in min. keep scoring until you have a nice striaght line thru center of weld you may want to hold the grinder at 45* angel from the base metal. eyeball the depth, you dont want to go much deeper than the thickness of what you're cutting off as this will destroy the integrity of your trailer. after you get as much as you can cut switch to a 1/8" disc hold @ 90*angels grind the corners out you coulnt get to. if you have an inside corner you cant cut you will have to locate an end grinder or die grinder (much like a dremel ) and a burr bit, roto file, they have many names but they come in many different styles pointed,rounded, tapered, etc. you should be able to pick up everything up @ lowes or home depot. a torch should be a last resort espically if you are not experienced. you could easily destroy your trailer. hope this helps

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

Couldn't add much to tds's post, except to say if you are doing this - get a face shield, or at the very least good safety glasses. Like my father used to always tell us - eyeballs don't grow back!

 

[KStoon]

Re: how do you remove a weld off a trailer coupler and jack?

Using a Dremel on welds like this is like using your small sabre saw to cut down a 6" tree. As stated earlier get a cut-off wheel or a grinder. Both will make quick work of it. A torch is good too.....