Channell iron fab question

admin

I am going to make an engine leveler and am wondering how to fab the channel iron. All I have to use is 3" X 1/4" wall. I want to double it up. Do I put it togheter like[], with holes for the chain going down through, or with the weld horizontal with the chain going through the solid wall.  I don't think this is the right way ][.
Reply:The channel will be stronger on edge, ] [ . You could add spacers in between the channels for the chain or weld pipe spacers in between so the chain will drop through.
Reply:@ mcostello - see images #2 and #4 Engine Leveler.  Concur with BD1 re arranging your channel a la '] [' using vertical plates to tie in the channel, provide clearance for the screw assemble/lift point, and attachments form the chain interacing to the motor.  Lots of ways to rip this cat.  Good building. "Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I will go with the way in the pictures, I have all the required hardware. Only possible improvement would be to put a bolt through the slot to keep the chain in place if something lets go.
Reply:@ mcostello - good call. Never liked side-loading chain or using chain for anything but straight/in-line loading.  See image #2.  Although the likelihood of yield/failure in the chain is low, the impact could be severe if resulted in a crushing injury.  The pedigree of the chain supplied with a typical off-the-shelf engine leveler is unknown.  Unknown manufacturer.  Def not Skookum or Crosby chain/clevises with certs.  IMPO, safer by an order of magnitude to employ synthetic strapping or mini tubular lifting straps to support the vert loads attached to each end of the engine.  In another life, seen the aftermath of an offshore rigging accident involving chain used to wrap a bollard.  Chain loaded up way heavy and stressed to catastrophic failure.  Accident resulted in the loss of human life.  Was not involved in the rigging plan or on the job. The aftermath was the horror."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:This engine leveler is the result of pulling the last engine using a 2000 lb chinese rated sling. Engine came out ok, when it went back in We heard something tearing and lowered it the last couple of inches to home. No harm no foul, web tore in half then stopped. Was a hurry up situation, this time I have time to plan ahead. I am going to get better grade of chain probably at TSC.