Crack in spreader bar - still OK?

[sarc]

I don't know much about metal; here's a crack on my Naish spreader bar, the crack is only on the weld and is maybe 5% of the total weld area. Does anyone have experience - should I throw it away or can keep using? p.s. I'm 200 lb and ride hard / crash hard.

Bar

[jumptheshark]

Thing about cracks in metal. They signify significant strain, are bound to grow.... then fail.

Need a new one.

[Matteo V]

Thing about cracks in metal. They signify significant strain, are bound to grow.... then fail.

Need a new one.

Ya, jumpy is dead on with this one. Get rid of that spreader bar, even if you are in super safe conditions. It has pretty much already failed as the hook has opened up some. Not long before it completely breaks off.

[FLandOBX]

I agree with the prior opinions. It looks like it may have already been repaired with some epoxy or something similar??

Usually, when we ask these kinds of questions on the forum, we already know the answer.

[knotwindy]

If you can remove the plastic bit without destroying it, have someone clean it up and reweld it.

[iriejohn]

Replace it.

[edt]

Timbeeeeeer!

[Herman]

Unless you are on a very tight budget just bin it, oops recycle it. Although my guess is stress corrosion cracking at the grain boundaries it will also be fatigued and not worth repairing. Repair welding is possible but the nickel and chrome will often move such that the weld line is vunerable to corrosion. In technical terms it is f#%ck*d. Imho!

[Hugh2]

Agreed, toss it. I had the hook on my bar break off at the welds, not fun! Luckily not in the middle of a big jump.

[sarc]

Thanks everyone for the expert advice! OK I'll throw it in the metal recycle bin. Thank you!