Posted 2009-10-02 12:38 PM (#111359) Subject: how to remove welded metal hooks inside LQ
Member
Posts: 37 Location: Northern Nevada
What is the best way to remove the welded on metal hooks etc inside a steel trailer in prep for paneling? Tried a 4.5" angle grinder with metal cutting wheel. Works okay but hard to get a cut flush with the trailer supports, i.e. without digging into them. Also tried a sawzall but even bulkier and hard to get at the right angle to make a flush cut.
Posted 2009-10-02 1:23 PM (#111369 - in reply to #111359) Subject: RE: how to remove welded metal hooks inside LQ
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by flyin'horse on 2009-10-02 12:38 PM
What is the best way to remove the welded on metal hooks etc inside a steel trailer in prep for paneling? Tried a 4.5" angle grinder with metal cutting wheel. Works okay but hard to get a cut flush with the trailer supports, i.e. without digging into them. Also tried a sawzall but even bulkier and hard to get at the right angle to make a flush cut.
The grinder is the best way. You might try using a cutoff blade on your grinder first then go back with the regular grinder disc and clean it up the rest.
Posted 2009-10-02 2:27 PM (#111375 - in reply to #111359) Subject: RE: how to remove welded metal hooks inside LQ
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: MT
Its called a grinder because you grind metal down with it...not a cutter. I suggest you just keep grinding with it not try and cut the metal with a grinding blade.
Posted 2009-10-02 4:34 PM (#111378 - in reply to #111359) Subject: RE: how to remove welded metal hooks inside LQ
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A grinding wheel used on aluminum can load up with metal and explode; a nasty experience. As was suggested, use the cutting wheel to cut the bar stock, and a rough grade of flap wheel works well, to sand and form the rough aluminum.
Posted 2009-10-02 7:28 PM (#111389 - in reply to #111359) Subject: RE: how to remove welded metal hooks inside LQ
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Sorry, I completely missed the steel part. A cut off wheel will cut faster and cleaner than a grinding wheel, if you have a lot of work to do. And if you don't have the most powerful of grinders, it takes less torque to turn the thinner wheels.
Posted 2009-10-02 7:49 PM (#111391 - in reply to #111359) Subject: RE: how to remove welded metal hooks inside LQ
Expert
Posts: 2957 Location: North Carolina
Cutting welds is the most unpleasant metal working job in my experiance. The best way is a cutting torch. Short of the torch, a cutting disk in a side grinder is number two. Getting the disk edge into the weld fillet is usually the problem. You might use a hacksaw to remove most of the hook for working room. Then use the cutting disk to cut the welds. Finally, use a side grinder to smooth the former weld area.
Either way be sure to cover or contain the work area. The abrasive dust will get into and onto everything. It'll scratch any smooth surface unless you use a wet wiper cloth.
how to remove welded metal hooks inside LQ
