Repair an Allen wrench? Blasphemy for sure. Read on....

[oldnslo]

I have this neato-mosquito Allen key holder dating back to the 80's? Earlier? Dunnno, but I brought it home the other day, and filled some open holes with spares from the "spares" pile. I sure dont need any more SAE sized wrenches, but the bottom of the rack holds 3 larger sizes like these.

I'd had these owner-adapted CP versions for some time, and of course never have needed the 9/16" and 5/8" sizes for anything. Looks like someone perhaps repurposed them for lathe work, or something with non-standard square drives. Regardless, I have the hankering to put them back to spec.

Should I MIG, with mild steel? Arc with 6013 or 7018 and grind down? All of these I have, so really don't want to buy something purpose built for welding buildup.

I'll presume I'll need to oil quench for hardening, tho I don't ever expect to use them.

Thoughts? Advice?

[goodfellow]

For the quick fix I'd go for the 6013 -- excellent rod for tool repair. For a better fix, do you have access to one stick of hard-facing rod for HHS? -- A D307 or any that will face alloy steel.

You still need to harden, but the with the D307, the base metal will resist the highest stress.

[Elroy]

Is there a reason you can't just grind them back short ?

[oldnslo]

Is there a reason you can't just grind them back short ?

Yup could. The buildup would make my OCD stay in check.