Welding a finger strap

[mhorowit]

Good morning -

Attached is a picture of a finger strap from Elzea's 'Aircraft Welding'. We also see variations on the 'strap' in 'Acceptable Methods and Practices..." .

Question: the strap has to lay flat against the joint. Obviously you heat the 'strap' until it's moldable, but then how do you form it around the joint? Do you tack it to the joint a one point, heat it and wrap it around, tack it again, then re-heat and form the strap around both tubes with a small hammer?
- Mike

[Guest]

Re: Welding a finger strap

Mike, I have a collection of various size c-clamps for holding in place instaed of tacking. Some have angle irons welded on too. Also use some vise-grips. After it's in pretty good shape I tack it down. Dave

[mhorowit]

Re: Welding a finger strap

Mike, I have a collection of various size c-clamps for holding in place instaed of tacking. Some have angle irons welded on too. Also use some vise-grips. After it's in pretty good shape I tack it down. Dave

Dave - but am I correct about how to form the strap around the tubes?
If so, how small a hammer face? I can see where 1/2" wouldn't be too small.- Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: Welding a finger strap

Mike, I have a collection of various size c-clamps for holding in place instaed of tacking. Some have angle irons welded on too. Dave

I'm certainly interested in any jigs you may have devised. Any pics? - Mike

[Guest]

Re: Welding a finger strap

Dave - but am I correct about how to form the strap around the tubes?
If so, how small a hammer face? I can see where 1/2" wouldn't be too small.- Mike

Hi Mike, I think you are correct, I do it the way you described. I have a number of hammers and pliers. Be careful of the grooves in the pliers, they can dent too.

A tack hammer has been handy, head is about 1/2 by 1/2 but it has sharp edges so have to be carefull or grind them smooth. The corners can make sharp dents in the hot metal. Other end of take hammer is even smaller and sharper.

I also have few vise grips. Whenever I see a vise grip that looks different than what I have I buy it. They make nice clamps and can sometimes be used to squeeze things into shape.

Dave.