AI6YR BenApr 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
Show threadAI6YR BenApr 5
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
Show threadAI6YR BenApr 5
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
Show threadAI6YR BenApr 5
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
Show threadAI6YR BenApr 5
Sears wheelbarrow. Probably 1960's or early 1970's. Purchased in Ventura or Oxnard, I understand. #ReduceRepairReuseRecycle #repair
Show threadAI6YR BenApr 5
I wonder if someone has the appropriate catalog for this one online anywhere. #Sears
Show threadAI6YR BenApr 5
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
Show threadAI6YR Ben3d 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
Show threadAI6YR Ben2d 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
Show threadAI6YR Ben2d 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!!!
Show threadAI6YR Ben2d ago
It worked!!! The handles were not lining up anywhere near the right size for the end piece.
Show threadAI6YR Ben2d 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
Show threadAnneH2d ago

@ai6yr Tiny tip (from wheelbarrow experience). Make sure you can get the wheel off easily for that inevitable puncture repair. Unless it's a solid tyre of course. Looks like a pneumatic one in the pic. Happy wheelbarrowing! PS I've never seen one with wooden handles.

Edit: grammar

Show threadAI6YR Ben2d ago
@annehargreaves That is a (new!) solid tire. Thanks for the tip. I opted to change out the old tire with a solid one to avoid that whole problem with punctures and having to keep them inflated.
Show threadAnneH
@ai6yr Good call!
Apr 11 at 3:35pmWeb