Aluminum dents

[dregsfan]

I just picked up a 1988 Gregor 12 footer. There are a few shallow, but sharp dents in the hull. Any tips on banging out aluminum. I?ve heard it can crack. Does heat help? Thanks.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Aluminum dents

My advise would be don't do it, all the banging can losen rivets.

If you really want to yes heat helps, i have heard or people getting the aluminum hot and putting dry ice on it, it causes the metal to contract suddenly and pulls alot of the dent out.

If you use a hammer make sure you have a heavy backer, peice of steel or big hammer and start tapping, you want to work the dent out not take it all in one whack and heating it will help but be careful, to much is bad and too little won't help.

Normally what happens is you end up with a bunch of little dents instead of one big one

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Aluminum dents

Each time you bend metal, it becomes a little more brittle. I would leave well enough alone if it only cosmetic.

 

[henrye718]

Re: Aluminum dents

My advise would be don't do it, all the banging can losen rivets.

If you really want to yes heat helps, i have heard or people getting the aluminum hot and putting dry ice on it, it causes the metal to contract suddenly and pulls alot of the dent out.

Wouldnt this temper or harden the metal causing it to become brittle? Afterwards hitting it with a hammer would crack it? It sounds like that is what would happen.

I once bought those rods to repair aluminum, the ones from the flea markets the guys demonstraigts on a soda can. I heated the aluminum enough to get the rod to tin over the metal and the aluminum became very brittle it cracked shortly after from the presure of the rowing oars putting stress on that area.

 

[KD Fisherman]

Re: Aluminum dents

I just picked up a 1988 Gregor 12 footer. There are a few shallow, but sharp dents in the hull. Any tips on banging out aluminum. I?ve heard it can crack. Does heat help? Thanks.

I am assuming that since it is a Gregor it is a fully welded hull so you may not have to worry about rivits coming loose. I would suggest using a brass headed hammer and a dolly and gently tapping the dent out. I would enlist some help so one person can be on the outside and one on the inside. If it does have rivits the dolly/hammer situation works pretty well for tightening them up as well.

Cheers,
Kyle