Advise on fixing metal fire surround

[DIY67]

I have our old cast iron fire surround in the garden for a feature with a mirror behind. However it has broken in two and I need best advice for fixing it without having to get a welder please.

Would something like a metal epoxy and metal staples from the back work? Again, it's only for decorative purpiloaes and not for a fire.

Thanks

 

[Scally-Ho]

Cast iron is a right pig to repair by any method as it tends to break free at the slightest movement. Cold metal stitching is the next best repair if brazing is not an option and a good search engine should describe the method without me typing for the next 30mins.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

For a very low tech fix I'd be inclined to fit a U shaped chunk of 18mm plywood on the back and screw into it with some subtle black screws through the existing holes in the surround, probably need an additional hole in each of the sides. Given that it's outside if you painted the plywood on all faces/edges with a few coats of Black Jack or similar it should give you a couple of years or so before it needed replacing.

 

[DIY67]

Ok, thanks. The cold metal stitching seems very complex, but I have seen something called J B Weld which seems strong enough but my only concern is it's "Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects" so as it's a couple of feet from a pond it seems to risky unless it's ok when dry.

 

[jj4091]

You won’t have a problem with JB weld. Not sure how you would apply it though perhaps some self tapping screws either side of the break would help it grip

 

[Burnerman]

I think it would be a reasonable idea to fix two say 50mm x 3mm mild steel straps to the side of the fireplace......from top to bottom if you get my drift? This may be possible but we can't see the back.
These should be bolted to the cast frame so the straps are at the back, of course. Countersunk on the front, heads filled and painted black.
JB Weld is an epoxy adhesive, and its good but not strong enough to cover such a wide breakage area. It's safe once cured.
Freddy's idea is sound (as usual) but if the thing is to be outside, any timber may not last too long unless it can be sheltered.
John

 

[DIY67]

I think it would be a reasonable idea to fix two say 50mm x 3mm mild steel straps to the side of the fireplace......from top to bottom if you get my drift? This may be possible but we can't see the back.
These should be bolted to the cast frame so the straps are at the back, of course. Countersunk on the front, heads filled and painted black.
JB Weld is an epoxy adhesive, and its good but not strong enough to cover such a wide breakage area. It's safe once cured.
Freddy's idea is sound (as usual) but if the thing is to be outside, any timber may not last too long unless it can be sheltered.
John

I have photographed the back and front and posted in my op. JB weld with 3 metal oblong pieces of steel fixed like a suture shod do it then

 

[nero44]

I have used JB Weld to seal up a cast iron fire surround. Mine just had an old rusted hole about 5cmx10cm. So I JBwelded a steel sheet to cover and painted it. I don't know if it would hold up your surround, but that stuff is very strong! Use gloves!

Once it's dry it should be safe

"Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects"

this is basically written on almost all household products, typically on washing up liquid or sticker removal solution. It is true, so don't pour it into a pond with live fish, but used the correct way and letting it dry it should be fine.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

For a very low tech fix I'd be inclined to fit a U shaped chunk of 18mm plywood on the back and screw into it with some subtle black screws through the existing holes in the surround, probably need an additional hole in each of the sides. Given that it's outside if you painted the plywood on all faces/edges with a few coats of Black Jack or similar it should give you a couple of years or so before it needed replacing.

Similar idea, but in place of plywood, get a sheet of galvanised steel. Drill and tap fixing holes, plus countersink, where the thicker sections of cast-iron are.

 

[Deluks]

JB Weld was my first thought too. Every home should have some! Next to the WD40, adjustable spanner and radiator key.

 

[DIY67]

Thanks folks, very helpful. JB Weld it is then!