Hi all. I'm hoping you might be able to advise me on how to fix my damage. Here's what happened. I was taking the catalitic access plate off the back so I could check it out and the top two bolts broke off. Here's how they fit. Bolt comes out of back wall of stove and has a nut securing it to the wall. Then the plate goes over it with another nut holding that on. Well the right side snapped clean off when I took the first nut off then again when I tried the second nut. Gave it a tap with a nail and I'm ready to replace the bolt. No problem.
Unfortunately the left side was less cooperative. The outer nut broke the bolt when I tried to take it it off. The inner nut had pretty much lost it's "nut shape" and did not respond to wrenches or vise grips. So I took a chisel to it. Should have known better. Wasn't thinking at my best. Got about half way through and then I broke a piece off of the top edge of the opening. It is about 3/4" x 3" from the bolt hole, slanting down to the edge. I held the cover plate up and it doesn't cover the gap.
Here is my question. Can I weld it back on with my MIG welder? I figure if I can tack it in place, I can put a big washer on the inside and outside run a bolt through them and hold it together with a nut and slather stove cement on it to seal it. Thoughts? Suggestions?
I only paid 100.00 for it, but I hate to give up on it and am willing to be creative. Its a nice stove and should work well for our living room. (Even matches our furniture).
Thanks
Ed
Unfortunately the left side was less cooperative. The outer nut broke the bolt when I tried to take it it off. The inner nut had pretty much lost it's "nut shape" and did not respond to wrenches or vise grips. So I took a chisel to it. Should have known better. Wasn't thinking at my best. Got about half way through and then I broke a piece off of the top edge of the opening. It is about 3/4" x 3" from the bolt hole, slanting down to the edge. I held the cover plate up and it doesn't cover the gap.
Here is my question. Can I weld it back on with my MIG welder? I figure if I can tack it in place, I can put a big washer on the inside and outside run a bolt through them and hold it together with a nut and slather stove cement on it to seal it. Thoughts? Suggestions?
I only paid 100.00 for it, but I hate to give up on it and am willing to be creative. Its a nice stove and should work well for our living room. (Even matches our furniture).
Thanks
Ed