Is this something I can weld

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I have/had a 1999 Chevy Tahoe.  Have/had it rolled bought it back and parting it out.One of the things I am keeping is the front springs.  This one being a 4x4 had torsion springs.  (can take a picture later tonight if needed)I don't think I will be able to sell them, so I am going to keep them for... something.What I would like to know being whatever type of steel is can they be welded at all?My use would be first thought a ballast inside the handle of a trailer dolly I am making for my dad.  (not to worried about this as I just need it to not move, will be inside a piece of pipe anyway so not a big deal if it can move an 1/8" or so.But I still have one left after, and half of the first for that matter.My other uses will more then likely be a handle for a cart.  Really need to make 2, want to have 3.  So I have a use for it.  Just curious to know if I would be wasting my time.Thinking SMAW I have 1/8" 6011 and 7018 either would be fine for me.Eastwood 135 mig welderHobart Stickmate LX 235 AC / 160 DCHobart EX Tig 165
Reply:I'm not 100% sure of the strength of the welded area afterwards, being spring steel it will more than likely loose it's spring and become brittle without proper tempering. As far as handles and non spring related projects... Go for it with a 7018, no problems there, but if you need it to remain a spring I would suggest squaring off the ends with a grinder or saw and build a square receptacle to hold the ends from moving... No tempering or relieving nessisary.If you must weld it I would look up proper procedures for (re springing) the steel, I only say this because I've seen a torsion bar fail under load and it's a very impressive show!Hope this helps, someone here may know the proper way to weld them safely but I don't have much experience welding them.Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:I switched out a set of those torsion bars a while back on my old 96 Tahoe.  I ground one end to a chisel point and used them as a rock/pry bar.  Would be neat to find a use for them that utilized the twisting they were designed to do.
Reply:I have no intention to use them for anything structural or with any stress.  (that is beyond me and not something I want to try, even if it's doable)A big pry bar was another thought.I will agree would be cool to try and come up with something to use them as designed.Eastwood 135 mig welderHobart Stickmate LX 235 AC / 160 DCHobart EX Tig 165
Reply:As long as you are not using it for structural or critical no reason it cant be welded. I have started answering the can this be welded question with the should this be welded.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:I have no argument for your statement farmshop.  I tried welding a leaf spring once.  With a 110 welder using flux core wire.  Just to move it on my mom and dad's property.  Didn't work, not even close.Guess that is more why I am asking.  I can hold on to it until I find a non structural use for it.  In the handle of the trailer dolly will be one of those uses so a 2' piece of that will be in a piece of trailer axle tube that will be capped.  Kind of a thick handle but it works on mine, what I have and it's not so big it's uncomfortable to use.  Atleast for me, so my dad won't mind or atleast much.I do appreciate the answers, and I understand the hesitation.  You never know what someone plans on doing regardless of what they say they will do.  I will most likely dig up my other thread for my trailer dolly to add my dads.  Need wheels and an axle though may be awhile.  I will also add I am bad at taking during pictures so that may or may not happen.Eastwood 135 mig welderHobart Stickmate LX 235 AC / 160 DCHobart EX Tig 165
Reply:If the torsion bars aren't worn out sell them. If you can't sell them scrap them. I wouldn't build anything out of them, solid round steel like that doesn't cost too much if you need it and you would know exactly what you have.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:I can weld anything but a broken hart or a crack of dawn!
Reply:312 stainless filler should weld torsion arm spring steel... it's about the only thing that will. You really shouldn't use welded spring steel in any critical application though.Last edited by MikeGyver; 12-17-2014 at 01:10 AM.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Think less in terms of cutting, welding & using as is, and more about reshaping and (where/when needed) rehardening. Time to become a blacksmith!
Reply:Originally Posted by RoadhunterI switched out a set of those torsion bars a while back on my old 96 Tahoe.  I ground one end to a chisel point and used them as a rock/pry bar.  Would be neat to find a use for them that utilized the twisting they were designed to do.