Subject: Re: Broken dropout. Posted by: Al on October 10, 2004 at 09:41:49: In Reply to: Broken dropout. posted by Bob on October 03, 2004 at 00:59:18:

Message: >I have a 10 year old hardtail (Kona Kiluaea) with a broken drop out. I'd love to just get it welded so it will last me another month of commuting to work. Is this a possibility? What's the best way to weld a piece of chromoly plate? Thanks in advance for anyones help. Any chrome plating has to be removed before you weld or braze the break ... * begin by wrapping some masking tape about a half-inch to an inch away from the damaged area. * you can probably use a file to scrape the chrome off the underlying metal. If the actual dropout is broken, then you will want to consider replacing it; but, it can be certainly be "repaired" ... BUT, I think you should seriously consider welding/brazing a(n additional) "sister" plate over the outside of the broken dropout across the "repaired" break [i.e., "fix" it, first]. IF the break is a separation of the dropout and one of the rear stays, then you should think about repairing it in the manner it was originally fastened (re-weld or re-braze). Again, I would consider reenforcing the area with a sister plate or band (the latter if the break is between the stay and the dropout).