Mastodawn

AI6YR Ben Apr 5

New project acquired. My in-laws wheelbarrow. My son wanted to toss it, his grandmother wanted it tossed, but his grandfather pointed out they had the wheelbarrow since they first got married sometime in the 60's. Already ordered replacement handles and wedge pieces, now deciding how far I go with the metal restoration. On the plus side, all the undoubtedly leaded 1960's paint long gone, lol. Now, to decide on removing the rust or just covering it up after some metal brushing.... #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair

AI6YR Ben 6d ago

First step, a little PB Blaster and some work with two garage sale adjustable wrenches. Pb Blaster really reeks. Ends up a lot of the bolts are rust with no threads. #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair

AI6YR Ben 6d ago

Pile of metal, tire, old wood (rotted!!!). Had to pull out a hacksaw, many of the bolts were more rust than metal, and you can't remove a bolt where there is no thread. #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair

AI6YR Ben 6d ago

Current status: these wheelbarrows have carriage bolts, but when they are very rusty, they spun. An angle grinder would be the best option here, but I have no angle grinder. So, manual hacksaw through the bolt (which works, but is a lot of work. But, great arm workout!) #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair #wheelbarrow

AI6YR Ben 6d ago

Sears wheelbarrow. Probably 1960's or early 1970's. Purchased in Ventura or Oxnard, I understand. #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair

AI6YR Ben 6d ago

I wonder if someone has the appropriate catalog for this one online anywhere. #Sears

AI6YR Ben 6d ago

Going with rust covering paint on this. Did a quick once over with a metal brush while wet to knock off loose rust, and I see the undercoat is most certainly that vintage leaded paint white (it has a certain sheen). So, better covered and encapsulated than removed. Washed with a degreaser. There are bits of ancient cement I can't remove... they will have to remain there I suppose. #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #wheelbarrow #repair

AI6YR Ben 2d ago

Wheelbarrow parts repainted. New wheel acquired. Waiting on handles. (Will still be cheaper than a brand new wheelbarrow, but not as cheap as snagging a free one off the curb). Restoring it for family sentimental reasons more than anything, lol. #wheelbarrow #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair

AI6YR Ben 1d ago

Uh oh! Made a serious, strategic mistake in the wheelbarrow project. Will likely require reordering yet another set of handles. (Will reconsider what to do in daylight). Do not copy a heavily modified/jury rigged piece of equipment, is the lesson here. #wheelbarrow #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair

AI6YR Ben 1d ago

Ah, screw it, going to see if I can make it work anyway. Now into "what is he doing in there" Tom Waits hour. Furniture clamp time!!!

AI6YR Ben 1d ago

It worked!!! The handles were not lining up anywhere near the right size for the end piece.

AI6YR Ben 1d ago

Aha! This should work. The spacing between the two sides of the wood are now tight enough the wheel will stay in place. #wheelbarrow

AI6YR Ben 1d ago

Earlier today: unwisely cut the wheelbarrow handles to match the onr rotted old one. Now know, it had already been modified and jury rigged, and should be longer. #mistake #repair

AI6YR Ben 1d ago

Also done earlier, the wheelbarrow wedges I ordered did not match the old wedge. Just went and cut new ones on the table saw. But now, wonder if that wedge was also jury rigged. 🤔 #repair #wheelbarrow

@ai6yr side quest: I grew up hearing only the term “Jerry-rigged”, and M-W says they’re both valid although emphasis is slightly different!

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/jerry-built-vs-jury-rigged-vs-jerry-rigged-usage-history

'Jerry-built' vs. 'Jury-rigged' vs. 'Jerry-rigged'

Three terms, three strong options.

@bolderbekah
Today is the first time I've heard the term Jerry-built.
@ai6yr