Little Dorrit
Well-Known Member
Perhaps one for the metallurgists? I have to remove some Swedish Brass Piston Hanks to make a sial repair. They are made of forged brass. If I can remove them without them breaking will they be ok to use again?
Can Piston Hanks be re-used?
- Thread starter Little Dorrit
- Start date
ibbo
Well-Known Member
I find that they mostly break when you remove them.
If there's no visible cracking they should be ok to re use. I would spread them out amongst the new ones though.
Mike
If there's no visible cracking they should be ok to re use. I would spread them out amongst the new ones though.
Mike
VicS
Well-Known Member
They will be work hardened . If you can get them off without breaking them it might be worth trying to anneal the work hardened zone by heating to a dull red for a few seconds and allowing to cool ( fast or slow, it does not matter)
AndyL
Well-Known Member
Our sailmaker says no, you need to replace them.
alant
Well-Known Member
Bet he also sells them.
Little Dorrit
Well-Known Member
Well I've managed to remove them with no obvious signs of any cracks so I'll try take VicS' advice and let you know what happens.
Topcat47
Well-Known Member
Piston hanks have a steel spring inside. Depending on their type, they are replaceable. at least the ones I have have grub screws which are peened over. The bronze/brass part can be safely annealed as described, but I'd not risk it if it meant heating the whole assembly as the spring may loose it's temper.
MonniotC
Well-Known Member
You don't want to be in the same room when a piston-hank spring loses its temper!!