How to tighten steel spokes on a garden cart

SDE · May 24, 2017

One wheel has two broken spokes,but they are tight enough that the hub and rim move as a unit. The other wheel is too loose. You can move the rim a couple of inches before the hub moves. How can I tighten them? Any ideas?

Janicholson · May 24, 2017

Not simple, but the way it needs to be done. Straighten the spokes from end to end. (it will be loose but straight. Heat a spoke to red hot (no more) and quench it with cold water, this shrinks the metal. Repeat on the opposite side, then the same side. Then measure the wheel for diameter aligned with the spokes that were shrunk, then at 90 to that, Experiment wit it as you go.
Another way is the cut the rim and wedge it apart in about 6 places after straightening the spokes. Then weld the cuts. Jim

SDE · May 25, 2017

I doubt that the little torch I have will get it hot enough for the shrinking to work correctly. I might have to think on option number two for a while. Sometimes when I wait awhile to do a job, it seams to be so much more simple to do than if I rush right into it.
Thank you for the help
Steve

How to tighten steel spokes on a garden cart

SDE

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

SDE

Well-known Member

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