How to Repair an 18-Gauge Steel Subframe

Fix leaks and cracks in your 18-gauge steel subframe with a MIG welder. A welder like this is made for thin metals between 10-gauge and 20-gauge. Other welders, such as arc welders, can easily destroy your project because of the intense electricity they use. Subframes are generally made with thin metal because even though the metal may be thin, it is still strong enough for tanks, reservoirs and racks. The metal is often ribbed to add to its strength. Subframes can crack from overuse or improper use.

Welding gloves
Welding jacket
Welding face shield
Wire wheel, hand-held
MIG welder, with owner's manual

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the broken metal on your subframe using your hand-held wire wheel. Wire wheels are metal cleaning devices that brush off paint and rust to expose the metal. This will ensure that your repair weld is able to bite into the metal and result in a strong weld.
- 2
  Position the pieces that need to be welded in their original position. If there is only a crack that needs to be welded, there is no need to reposition the pieces.
- 3
  Adjust the power setting on the MIG welder for the thickness of the metal. If the correct power setting for the metal thickness isn't listed by the knob, then refer to the owner's manual. Weld the pieces together with your MIG welder.
- 4
  Clean your finished weld with your wire wheel and make sure there are no gaps or holes. If there are, weld over these spots again.

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