Any ideas how to bodge this broken counterweight?

[Farmer996]

My trusty rear counterweight that I've been using for the past 8 years broke in the middle of the lane yesterday. It took a bit of getting back to the yard!

As you can see, the hook has snapped right next to the concrete. The other one broke a few years ago but it was higher up and my Dad managed to weld it. It would be a shame to have to make another one which would probably involve having to spend money on concrete!

So any ideas for a bodge? The only ideas I have are to weld the broken hook onto a plate with some holes, then drill into the concrete and use anchor bolts to secure it. I've also got a load of scaffold tube and fittings so I thought about building some kind of frame around it. Idea No1 is favourite as long as I can find a suitable bit of plate and my Dad can pull it off. Just thought I'd see if anyone can do better?

In case it isn't obvious, I have a bar through the lifter which makes it easy to pick up and drop off. It catches the arms sometimes because it swings freely but the concrete has worn away so it doesn't happen much. All the more reason to bodge this one!

All ideas appreciated. Thanks.

 

[multi power]

Just weld it

 

[davidroberts30]

Just weld it

Yes this
Point the broken hook so you get 100%penetration

 

[Farmer996]

My Dad isn't the best welder and I only have a cheap arc machine. When he did the other hook he struggled to bond it so he built it up with bits of plate. Not sure if you can see it in the photos.

 

[8100]

Can you make a frame out of old angle iron around it and affix your hooks to that

 

[Nearly]

Epoxy some threaded bar into the concrete and bolt a plate with the hook on.

 

[Roy_H]

Let me think what we did with ours ( Same situation but it was a long time ago)
Chip some of the concrete out around the broken bit to expose more of it. Weld the hook back on. Weld a of short length of rod or headless bolts either side of it for added strength.

 

[egbert]

if you're welding it , beware of exploding flakes of concrete...you might be near enough.
i'd drill a fresh hole and drop a new hook in. Poxy resin or somesuch?
Mind, your plan for a plate bolted on could be a goer.

I wouldn't go trying to make a frame round it....it'd be forever rattling loose if I tried.

 

[Dave W]

Or come and fetch the one I have here sat doing nothing

 

[Farmer996]

Will epoxy be strong enough? I thought about chipping out more concrete. Might try that first and see how much I can expose. Yes I did think a frame might rattle loose.

 

[Farmer996]

Or come and fetch the one I have here sat doing nothing

Bit too far from me but thanks!

 

[davidroberts30]

Will epoxy be strong enough? I thought about chipping out more concrete. Might try that first and see how much I can expose. Yes I did think a frame might rattle loose.

If your going to drill it drill right through and make a new hook with a big plate underneath

 

[Gordy1]

Crikey!! Just make a new concrete block, wouldn't break the bank in concrete & wouldn't take to much any way if you throw some hardcore in as well. Stop thinking about it & make another one.

 

[Andrew]

Chip a bit of concrete away if necessary and weld it. Or get someone else to

 

[multi power]

My Dad isn't the best welder and I only have a cheap arc machine. When he did the other hook he struggled to bond it so he built it up with bits of plate. Not sure if you can see it in the photos.

I'm not the greatest welder either, but I'd happily weld it back on, and then add some more bar or plate or whatever is available to be sure it's strong enough

 

[Farmer996]

If your going to drill it drill right through and make a new hook with a big plate underneath

Not sure I've got a big enough drill. Must be 18" deep.

 

[Farmer996]

Crikey!! Just make a new concrete block, wouldn't break the bank in concrete & wouldn't take to much any way if you throw some hardcore in as well. Stop thinking about it & make another one.

I'm skint. I did think about posting this on the bodges thread where you're not allowed to spend any money but it seems to be more about showing off what you've done.

 

[Farmer996]

I'm not the greatest welder either, but I'd happily weld it back on, and then add some more bar or plate or whatever is available to be sure it's strong enough

Might just try it but will see how much concrete I can chip away first.

 

[Jim75]

Did similar a few years ago before it fell off properly. Drilled right through narrow side and used 2 threaded rods to attach a newly made A frame of your choice. It helped keep the weight closer and gained a bit extra room in tight spaces.

 

[Will 1594]

Or come and fetch the one I have here sat doing nothing

Get it to cheffins dave ,we are going north to speedstars in next couple weeks if he can manage ,going up empty if the op is stuck or cannot repair ,