Fixing A Grill Hinge

anmius · Post by **anmius** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:20 am

algale wrote:I remember Motorcycle Week! Do you know if Hart's Turkey Farm Restaurant in Meredith is still in business?

Yup, still in business and still family owned and operated. But you can't get near the place this week because of the motorcycles.

algale · Post by **algale** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:33 am

anmius wrote:Yup, still in business and still family owned and operated. But you can't get near the place this week because of the motorcycles.

That brings a smile to my face!

Al

frank81 · Post by **frank81** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:47 am

The pin is likely hardened steel, so drilling it is going to require a fairly expensive bit and you'll need to be extra careful not to touch the softer aluminum around it which isn't easy. Actually any method you'll need to be careful because you don't want to destroy the hinge.

If it were me, the first try would be to soak it with pentrating oil overnight then use a pair of vise grips to see if you can get any rotation or movement. PB Blaster is what I use.

If that didn't work, I'd hit it with a torch as that aluminum should open up quicker than the steel. Lightly tap with a small punch. If you need to hit it harder you'll want to brace the hinge first so it doesn't bend.

algale · Post by **algale** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:02 am

frank81 wrote:The pin is likely hardened steel, so drilling it is going to require a fairly expensive bit and you'll need to be extra careful not to touch the softer aluminum around it which isn't easy. Actually any method you'll need to be careful because you don't want to destroy the hinge.

If it were me, the first try would be to soak it with pentrating oil overnight then use a pair of vise grips to see if you can get any rotation or movement. PB Blaster is what I use.

If that didn't work, I'd hit it with a torch as that aluminum should open up quicker than the steel. Lightly tap with a small punch. If you need to hit it harder you'll want to brace the hinge first so it doesn't bend.

Hi Frank,

Yes, I found out the hard way that the bit wanted to wander into the softer aluminum. While imperfect, the job is done and functional. Should get another 13 years out of the rebuilt grille.

I tried penetrating oil to no avail. The torch (if I had one) is an interesting idea. Maybe when the other hinge pin fails....

Al

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 1:39 pm

algale wrote:That brings a smile to my face!

Al

The restaurant, or the bikes?

Your SWMBO can cause moss to grow on rocks?:D

P.S. go get a torch - it is just a matter of time!

algale · Post by **algale** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 1:55 pm

JPG40504 wrote:The restaurant, or the bikes?

Your SWMBO can cause moss to grow on rocks?:D

P.S. go get a torch - it is just a matter of time!

Restaurant (I highlighted that part of the text).

I believe my SWMBO could part the Red Sea is she were so inclined; growing moss is a mere trifle!

Yeah, the torch will go on the long list.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 2:03 pm

[quote="algale"]Restaurant (I highlighted that part of the text).

I believe my SWMBO could part the Red Sea is she were so inclined]

Old Eagle Eyes missed that meaning!:eek: