How to Wash Loose a Weld

Welds can be poorly performed resulting in a weak hold between metal pieces. This is highly common among amateur metal workers who are still learning the nuances of various welding techniques. A poor weld can be removed with proper tools and replaced with another weld. This is called washing. Washing welds is usually a labor-intensive task that requires power tools intended for metal fabrication. The process of washing a weld loose is relatively simple but time-consuming.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Tape measure
• Wire wheel
• Metal grinder

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the weld that need to be replaced. Poor welds will have cracks or look porous. This is because of improper welding.

   • 2

     Expose the metal around the poor welds with your wire wheel. This will show you exactly what needs to be removed and replaced.

   • 3

     Grind through the welds with your grinder until all of the original weld is absent. Your weld will be loose enough for separation and placement of another weld.