aluminum repair rods

[Bogleparsons]

Anyone here ever use these, or something like these aluminum repair rods.

They say all you need is a propane torch.

Looking for firsthand knowledge because I have some cracks in my pontoon that need repaired.

Aluminum repair kits, repair aluminum by welding with a Propane Torch - Alumiweld

 

[Fabrik8]

My coworker a looong time ago tried them. He didn't get great results.

They're a brazing rod essentially, so you still need to put some serious heat into the base metal for it to flow and adhere properly. I don't know how well that will work for a large, fairly thick pontoon. You'll still need to remove metal right at the cracked area, as there will be aluminum oxide corrosion and fretting damage along the crack faces. I'd get it properly welded up..

 

[jeepinmatt]

It's probably only slightly more effective than JB weld, and less so if you don't get enough heat it in. I'd say weld it right, or JB Weld and some silver spray paint

 

[WARRIORWELDING]

I have some repair rods. Some are 3 feet long and require my Dynasty. The other comes on spools and is very long. They run on my other Miller.
Jokes aside those are mostly smoke and whistles gimmicky bandaids.
I have repaired several pontoons. Whatever you do make sure whomever does the work cares about prep and cleanliness of the weld area. If not, the next guy is just going to have more headaches and it will cost twice as much to do it right.
If Mocksville/Statesville is not to far give me a call if your interested in hiring a professional.
828-217-3994

 

[Bogleparsons]

Thanks guys.

I'm going to epoxy it for this weekend and get it done right asap.

 

[fordwheelinman]

I used some alumiweld to fix the rear air on my excursion. Then again that is a much smaller line that probably doesn't disperse heat as quickly as a pontoon.

 

[BigBody79]

I tried it on a jon boat. I couldn't figure it out. Boat went to scrap yard.