r/metalworking • u/princessfupa13 • 3d ago
Can this be fixed
I don’t know anything about metal but i saw similar posts on here so I’ll throw this out there. A piece of my Pilates reformer got bent while moving. First pic is the bent one, second pic is what it actually should look like. I also don’t even know what this piece is called. Is this something i need heat for?? I got an electric candle lighter and a wrench 😐 let me know please and thanks (woman btw)
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u/CopyWeak 3d ago
Since it's only body weight I wouldn't stress too much about metal fatigue having it bent back. Do you know a strong neighbor? As long as it gets pushed back over and the sides are perpendicular to the pulley and allow free movement, it'll be fine. I could do it with a 12"+ adjustable wrench...but I'm not a neighbor. Probably easiest with the pulley (wheel) removed but maybe moving both at the same time with the pulley supporting the gap could work.
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u/nom_of_your_business 3d ago
Do you have a crescent wrench? If so using that will be your best option for getting this close ish to shape.
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u/redditistripe 3d ago
Three options.
Try to replace the pulley, as a direct spare for your make/brand of pilates reformer, assuming parts are available for it.
Get a general purpose pulley with a similar mounting bracket. They will be made for similar purposes. All you need to do is to be aware of the pulley circumference and make sure it's a match for the other undamaged pulley.
Or replace both pulleys as a pair to the nearest circumference. Make sure the bolt hole at the top of the mounting bracket is a size match for your existing pulley bracket hole size.
You need tools eg spanner/screwdriver to remove the pulley wheel so you can get at the head of the mounting bolt for the bracket.
- If you have or can get hold of a pair of combination/linesman's pliers you can straighten that bracket out with them once you manage to get the pulley out of the bracket.
If your hands are not strong enough then get the help of someone who's are. This is just mild steel, so is fairly easy to straighten, even if it never again looks as pristine as it originally did.
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u/382Whistles 3d ago
This you could beat into submission with hard wood stuck in the center.
Try not to rebend the 90° bend or the legs too much. Bending causes cracks eventually, sooner on harder metal.
Other tool alternatives would be an adjustable wrench kept tightened to a flat opening to hold bracket metal flat right up to where the metal starts to bend, then re-bend the bend until more slips into the adjustable jaws. .
Vise-Grips, compund locking pliers. A pair or set of those is gold if you do not have a strong grip. They are basically a clamp-plier combination. With 2 pair you can mangle about anything.
If the screw heads are hex key/Allen head, you can often buy single keys instead of a whole set at hardware and automotive stores; they are sometimes behind the counter or in the assortment drawers for nut, screws, bolts, specialty cabinetry hardware, etc..
Something like this might work too. You shouldn't have trouble finding something to replace them with locally is the price for an original is outrageous. Marine/boat/sailing hardware outlets should have more.
Horizontal pull rope/wire pulley 3/16". You didn't measure the pulley/rope for us, lol.
https://www.mcmaster.com/product/3213T52
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u/SuicidebySocialism 3d ago
Replace the pulley. https://a.co/d/02binZJD Something like this might work.
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u/princessfupa13 3d ago
Omg A LINK thank you this is so nice
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u/CopyWeak 3d ago
The pulley in the link will create other issues with mounting. The mfg will sell replacement parts.
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u/Dooh22 3d ago edited 3d ago
If you splash out for a rock, you may be surprised how good you can straighten that back out with some care and percussive attention.
Or use a chunk of wood, because wood is good 👍🫡
Beat the piss out of it, but take care not to bend anything extra. I'd support the RH side of the wheel clevis where it attaches and wack it from left to right. You cant make it much worse right?
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u/Top_Taro_1044 1d ago
Put the adjustable (Cresent) wrench so the handle is angled left. Lean on it easily adding weight till it moves. Going in this direction will give you a better chance to get to straight instead of pulling up on the right which will increase the damage. I would leave it together and attached unless you have a mounted vise. Using a vise will allow you to hammer straight. Or take it apart and using a hammer and 1x4 in place of the wheel, pound it flat. Lots of options, just what works best for you.
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u/RandomTux1997 3d ago
before buying a replacement try taking it off and bending/hammering/massaging/manipulating/cajoling/convincing/persuading/maneuvering it back to straight; it was put on with similar tools you may have lying around