Strength Setup Question for Project

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http://www.sweeneyfeeders.com/Hangin...ers-p0039.htmlI am trying to recreate this to attach a common metal 55 gallon drum to a cable winch.I went out and bought 2" x 1/4" strap.  I believe I shouldn't have a problem getting the bends close with a vise and torch.  However I am a bit curious on the best setup for the top bar.  Is a single length approximately 3' long of this strap heavy enough?  Should I double up and run two pieces across the top or should I go pickup a piece of heavy angle that would run the length to beef it up more.  This is going to be holding 350# at the abolute maximum unless a wild grizzly comes up and hangs on it but there aren't too many in texas.Let me know what you would do.  I also have a 1/2" piece of rebar I could use to increase strength.
Reply:How is this thing being used?  The ends (near in the picture) are screwed into the top sides of a 55gal drum?  The the whole thing gets hung up by the middle of the cross piece?The 2"x1/4" flat stock will be plenty strong in the 2" direction, but you may end up rolling it over and having it bend in the 1/4" direction.  A 2"x2"x1/4" angle would be strong in both directions.  This angle would be about the same weight (price) as your doubled up 2"x1/4" pieces.I would probably use a piece of square tubing or pipe across the top.  This will make it resistant to twist.  With pipe or tubing you may get away with using a thiner wall (lighter and cheaper).  The end pieces can probably be thinner since they will be loaded in tension.The rebar is sort of an unknown material.  Who knows what sort of steel it is, and it's probably not meant to be welded.  That being said, I admit I've used rebar for making all sorts of jigs, holders, etc.  If you're going to use the rebar, I'd probably make a triangle top.  Kind of a flat triangle with the peak in the middle and up maybe a foot.  You can use rebar for the legs.  Use a short piece of the 2"x1/4" welded on the end of the rebar.  The flat stock should be easier to drill than crosswise through the rebar.  Or you could just weld the flat stock onto the barrel (assuming it's not plastic).  Make several short welds in places all around to distribute the weight.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:How about 1" Black Iron schedule 40 pipe for a cross bar?I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by scothttp://www.sweeneyfeeders.com/Hangin...ers-p0039.htmlI am trying to recreate this to attach a common metal 55 gallon drum to a cable winch.I went out and bought 2" x 1/4" strap.  I believe I shouldn't have a problem getting the bends close with a vise and torch.  However I am a bit curious on the best setup for the top bar.  Is a single length approximately 3' long of this strap heavy enough?  Should I double up and run two pieces across the top or should I go pickup a piece of heavy angle that would run the length to beef it up more.  This is going to be holding 350# at the abolute maximum unless a wild grizzly comes up and hangs on it but there aren't too many in texas.Let me know what you would do.  I also have a 1/2" piece of rebar I could use to increase strength.