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1. A drilling fixture is attached at right angles to the crack. A hole pattern is drilled and repeated at intervals of 3/4" to 1-1/4" inches apart.

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2. The metal between each drilled hole is removed by ripping it away with pneumatic tools to form a slot. The stock removed is narrower than the drilled hole, thus forming a serrated opening.

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3. Preformed locks of high tensile alloy are inserted into the slot. These locks are peened into the slots, one on top of the other, to a depth limited by the casting thickness and determined by the strength required.

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4. After the locks are installed, holes are drilled and tapped and threaded fasteners are applied. These are spotted along the entire length of the crack, overlapping one another. Their purpose, in part, is to fill the fracture with new metal and provide a pressure seal.

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5. The entire repair area is peened flush and finish ground. The Metal Locking technique can be used to repair everything from casting faults, broken machinery and improper machining to intricate items such as marine engines and gears. We are able to work on a wide array of materials including work-hardened and heat-treated items. When repair parts are not readily available, we often produce custom replacements in-house. The repair and replacement of internal engine components for the automotive, locomotive and trucking industries constitute a large portion of our business. All are extreme environments where craftsmanship and durability are of the utmost importance.