Braze or screw cut – which is stronger?

[Andrew Phillips 4Participant @andrewphillips4]

[Andrew Phillips 4Participant @andrewphillips4]

Hi All, this really is a very friendly and helpful forum – I wish I had come across it years ago! I am making a damper rod for motorcycle forks from a length of 5/16 in 16Gauge tubing One end requires a 1/4 in threaded extension. I plan to make this extension (about 1 in) from 5/16 MS rod threaded 1/4 CEI 26tpi one end, with the other end turned to fit into the tube. I can either thread tube and extension piece 7/32 ME 32 tpi and further secure with loctite, or turn the end plain to fit the tube and braze it in place. I am familiar with threading, but it would be an interesting experiment to learn basic brazing. Which joint would be stronger – screwing or brazing? The joint should be as strong as possible but is not safety critical. Your thoughts? Thanking you in advance, Andrew

[Jon GibbsParticipant @jongibbs59756]

Hi Andrew,

This is just a thought but the weight saving of 5/16" 16 gauge tube over 5/16" solid is not that great i.e. ~36% according to my quick calculation.

If strength of the joint is an issue why not just turn it all from 5/16 MS rod and then joint strength is no longer an issue.

HTH

Jon

[Keith HaleParticipant @keithhale68713]

Hi Andrew,

For more info on brazing go to **LINK**

Read it – load your printer – print it – and read again. Keep it by you. It will set you on your way to successful brazing with a clear understanding of what to do, why you have to do it and how to do it.

Do it right and the joint will be stronger than the parent materials,

You may not elect to use silver solder as your filler metal but a brass rod instead. No matter, the principles are identical. You are still brazing.

If you require any further help, then come back to us.

Keith

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

You need to consider the effect of the heat on both parts. The strongest braze is no help if the heat weakens the tube … And weakens means more than just less tensile strength, it can have a softening effect, too.

Cheers, Tim

[Andrew Phillips 4Participant @andrewphillips4]

Hi All, thanks for your replies. I will probably go for the screw thread method for now but I intend to learn brazing – it will be my ngineering challenge for the coming autumn. Cheers, Andrew

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