Patch Aluminum

[Arkman]

I have a little crack on my boat that I want to patch. Its really just a cosmetic fix, but I would still like to fix it. It's not in a place that can leak or anything. One time I saw someone that did some fix with something that they melted on then buffed smooth or something. Any ideas what I can use. Something like solder?

Any thoughts?

Josh

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Patch Aluminum

There are some homeowner aluminum welding sticks but I have never seen anyone use one with good results.

Why not just tow it over to someone who welds aluminum and get it welded. You will have the proper fix that will last.

I have an aluminum boat and there was a tear that was welded with great results.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Patch Aluminum

The two types of rod that are comon are Durafix and HTS2000.. Absolutely do not use them on Marine Aluminum boat hulls unless you have had a lot of practice and know what you are doing. Marine Aluminum is temepered and it is harder than regular aluminum sheeting.

Both rod types melt at 732 degrees at about 790 degrees tempered aluminum will begin to change shape and you will begin to get bulges that you will never be able to remove.

I'm stopping short of telling you how to do it correctly because you only have a small cosmetic crack. The easiest fix is to slightly (emphasized) grind into the crack so there is a slight indentation. Next, drill a very small hole at either end of the crack. Finally, mix up a bit of JB weld and smooth it into the crack and hole being careful not to over apply. Once it sets up sand it down and repaint or repolish if its bare aluminum.

Personally, if the crack isn't running, I'd leave it. If it is then do the fix I suggest and it may stop it. As a side note, I said may because it is extremly difficult to find the end of the crack.