I need to repair/replace this metal fence.

Archee__ · Post by **Archee__** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 5:47 pm

I need to repair or replace this metal fence. Is the fence beyond repair? Would it be easier to just have it replaced?

Chippo1 · Post by **Chippo1** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 6:15 pm

Find your local blacksmith

ayjay · Post by **ayjay** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 6:17 pm

Is it a fence, or a balustrade?

As a balustrade, it's not going to do much to stop a 20 stone drunk going through it judging by the state of the two left hand uprights.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 7:07 pm

If you look closely the metal spindles are probably set in holes in the stone with lead. Direct heat will soften them up so you can remove them. If you can getthe railings offa suggested a blacksmith can repair that. These days you would set them in resin. I really depends on whether you wish to retain this style or go for a more contemporary look. And how much you want to spend putting it right?.

DWD

Chippo1 · Post by **Chippo1** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 7:29 pm

A blacksmith can replace repair all of the corroded iron work , not exactly cheap process , all the vertical that go into the stone look bad at the bottom, so will need cutting of and new material welded on and dressed. Some other parts may need this.

Care needs to be taken removing the lead and refitting with lead due to heat damaging the stone. As he said remix with resin.

Once repaired have it shot blast to remove all corrosion before re-finishing or maybe powder coat .

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Thu Jun 04, 2020 7:42 pm

Some times it's cheaper to start from scratch, (As opposed to shot blast it, cut that bit there off, weld a new bit on here, grind that bit down and repeat) but best ask person doing job first.

Hitch · Post by **Hitch** » Sat Jun 06, 2020 4:13 pm

Theres not much to repair tbh... is it just the one?
If theres a matching pair, you may struggle to get the scrolls exactly the same, so replace both...

Just get a new one made by a fabrication shop. Thats not an expensive job. Thats the sort of thing id have knocked out one evening as a private job a couple of years ago.
Theres plenty about that specialise in bits of railing and such.

Draw up what you need or remove the old and take in to copy. Only critical dimesions are where the posts land in the stone work and the overall length.
Another way, is to cut a batten the overall length of the panel, then mark the hole centres on the battern as a reference.

Blacksmiths tend to be more artisans these days, creating handmade masterpieces. Thats not really what that is/was.

As DWD said, possibly leaded in. Id cut through the top rail to make the individual posts free, then heat the bar, a gentle pull and wobble should get them out.
If you go near the stone with a blow torch, try and do it gradually, if the stone is wet. Moisture in the stone can turn to steam and cause the stone to splinter.

Refitting, i'd use resin rather than lead these days.
Depending on your confidence, the maker may well be able to fit for you at extra cost.

Finish wise, id reccomemd getting it hot dipped galvanised, and then either epoxy sprayed or powder coat.
It will cost a bit more but worth it.