How to Repair poultry water units

admin

I have several old chicken water containers that have opened up at different seams.The metal looks like galvanized sheet metal.  I tried to to silver soldier the joints using a propane torch, but the soldier just rolled off the metal.  Does any one have a suggestion on repairing them?Thanks GeorgeLast edited by GLwelder; 12-05-2007 at 08:51 PM.
Reply:If I'm not mistaken, muriatic acid can be used to prepare galvanized metal for soldering.the gorilla that made it hold Ranger 8  15 yrs old SP150 mig 25 yrs old several Victor sets Snap On 130 mig  25 yrs old Lincoln 225 buzz box SA200  F163  78 mdl they all work just added a Idealarc 250/250
Reply:That's right papa65...some muriatic acid with a few small pieces of galvanized or Zinc thrown into it...'Cut Acid' .I don't think you'll have much luck using a propane torch. You'll need a soldering copper...
Reply:This may be one of those situations when it is better to bite the corroded zinc coated pan, and just purchase some new chicken water containers.Galvanized may solder ok, when new and clean, but good luck getting an old leaky chicken pan clean enough to repair.This is a big assumption on my part, but if you're married, your wife probably already told you, "don't be so damn cheap, just buy some new ones".Am I right?
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserThis may be one of those situations when it is better to bite the corroded zinc coated pan, and just purchase some new chicken water containers.Galvanized may solder ok, when new and clean, but good luck getting an old leaky chicken pan clean enough to repair.This is a big assumption on my part, but if you're married, your wife probably already told you, "don't be so damn cheap, just buy some new ones".Am I right?
Reply:Originally Posted by TinbasherThat's right papa65...some muriatic acid with a few small pieces of galvanized or Zinc thrown into it...'Cut Acid' .I don't think you'll have much luck using a propane torch. You'll need a soldering copper...
Reply:All soldering takes place below 840*F. and brazing takes place above 840*F but below the melting temp of the base. The only difference between brazing and soldering is the liquidus of the filler material --Gol'
Reply:Hey GLwelder, I couldn't weld my way out of a paper bag, but, if everything else fails, just before you throw them away, you might take your torch and burn off all the zinc where you want to weld.  Do this in the open to avoid the fumes as much as possible.  Then what?  With no zinc, I guess you paint.
Reply:The galv will burn off with a torch.  Wear a resporator and as said above, do it outside.  Don't breathe the white smoke. When it melts, hit the work with a wire brush.  It should be good and shiny.   Next solder and flux.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Why not take some sort of caulk or epoxy and run it down the leaky seam?HH 187Miller Bluestar1EAHP AlphaTig 200X
Reply:Zinc itself solders beautifully, provided it's clean. Tight fit and solder should work for holding water. That protective skin has to come off the zinc, big iron or one of those soldering tips on a torch. Get one spot hot hot, feed in a decent glob and drag ever so slightly while feeding more solder to the base about a jillionth of an inch from the iron/tip. Pretty much like leaded glass work.Which brings to mind, there's a whole slough of soldering pastes and/or liquid fluxes available.
Reply:I wonder if chickens are affected by lead the same way humans are?I would hate to see a bunch of chickens stagering around acting senile before their time.I wouldn't use any material not specified for use by humans on potable water supplies.  JB weld comes to mind, or epoxy but not lead solder.
Reply:George,Have you tried brazing the seams? Do you have OA and/or MIG? I've brazed galvanized square tubing without a problem, but that tubing is much thickerthan what you're dealing with. I have chickens too, but we use several ofthe 5 gallon poly waterers-give them a try if you decide to replace the oldmetal ones.Good Luck,Don
Reply:Originally Posted by KnotboredI wouldn't use any material not specified for use by humans on potable water supplies.
Reply:Originally Posted by Alan NNot picking on  you, Knotbored, just commenting on the current phobia about lead..