On my Protocraft-type shelf couplers,which are designed just like the prototype as far as working order,meaning with a trip pin to hold the knuckle closed,I need something to fill the gap that the pin drops into when the knuckle closes.
These couplers were made by Jimmy Booth and are sold in kit form. Getting the pin that holds the knuckle closed to fit in the groove in the knuckle takes work. At 1st,I filed off the side of the pin that drops into the pocket on the knuckle,but then thought doing this to excess will weaken the pin possibly causing it to break under heavy loads. Next I filed back on the groove in the knuckle. This pleased me until I found doing this allows the knuckle to swing open more that it should which allows couplers to pull apart.
So,I concluded that I need something really tough like solder to fill the gap on the knuckle back up,then file sparingly so the couplers don't pull apart. My question is the parts are made of brass. Will heating the brass with a soldering iron distort the knuckle? I bought "J B Weld" which I thought would fill the gap and harden since the package says this can be used to seal pipes even under water,but I can't seem to get it to hold on the brass.
Are there other products that will fill this gap that'll harden like solder does?
Thank you to all in advance for your help.
As Always,
Al Hummel
