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Old 03-02-2007, 09:19 PM   #1
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Bent awning roller repair

Has anyone successfully straightened a bent awning roller using Zip Dee's method? How much would I have to pay for a new one-- about 25 feet long?
Thanks,
Greg
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Old 03-03-2007, 05:45 AM   #2
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HI Greg,

I've attempted to straighten at least a dozen roller tubes with little success. I will usually remove the roller from the fabric and arms and place it on saw horses, then use a come-a-long to provide slow, constant downward pressure on the center or the tube. Sometimes yes, mostly no!!

The shape of a tube does not lend itself to being straightened by this method. I would suggest replacement.

Tubes are not that expensive. pricing depends on the length of the roller and freight to get it from the factory to you. PM me if you need more info.
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Old 03-03-2007, 06:19 AM   #3
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Hi Greg,
If there is any kink in the roller tube then straightening is out of the question.
I had a bow in mine and removed 99% of it by using ZipDee's advice.
Then six months later I left it open and guess what? It poured and the tube buckled.
Now I have a totally new awning thanks to insurance.
Al
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Old 03-03-2007, 06:38 AM   #4
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You might want to check into a local machine shop. My son ran over the end of our awning tube after I had it apart for repair and literally flattened it. My friend took it to his shop with the end cap and got it almost perfect. He also took the bend / bow out if it using his machines. This is a pic of the before... It wasn't too bad but my husband and his buddie couldn't get it any better than what you see using the zip dee method.
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Old 03-03-2007, 10:59 AM   #5
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I've done this to my awning roller three times so far, and I need to do it again. The trick is to get a little skinny dude in the middle, and then do just a little tug and see if it rolls up smoothly. When it does, STOP and don't mess with it anymore.

Lamar
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Old 03-03-2007, 09:25 PM   #6
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cost of tube is about the same as freight now days I think 6.00 per ' real cost is labour. straightening is a waste of time if you value yours.wether rain or fatigue is cause will bend again as soon as loaded. 6' step ladder in center of bend,clamp bottom of bend down 2 guys gently bounce ends down untill straight you may need to shift ladder but no need to take anything loose.then install and use center support and roll up if it is going to rain, cloth fabric awns will collect water even with a leg down especially older ones.
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Old 03-08-2007, 01:01 PM   #7
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I have tried the Zip Dee method with the ends supported by ladders and me hanging in the middle and have gotten nowhere. I also am havinf=g trouble with the awning fabric pulling out of the metal cover where the awning meets the trailer. Got it back in and re-crimped it like Zip dee says, but some came out again as soon as I opened it. Im thinking new boom and new fabric; I understand one can get the fabric already attached to the first strip of the cover.
Greg
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Old 03-08-2007, 01:24 PM   #8
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I didn't slide the fabric out of that crimped channel....I slid the whole metal cover out of it's channel that is mounted to the top. WD it really good ...let it sit and give it a good go with another person helping you. You might need to use a rubber mallet to get it going but be sure to use a block of wood so you don't hurt the soft aluminum. One more thing....I believe there are about 4 set screws holding the rail in place that need to come out also on the bottom side.
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Old 03-08-2007, 03:35 PM   #9
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Ol' Norby is gonna need to do this too...I'm gonna PM him this thread. Perfect timing!
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Old 03-08-2007, 03:57 PM   #10
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i told norb just to drive to the factory and buy a new one. he can just toss it on the roof rack on the van!

then he can make a nice festivus pole out of the old one!

john
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Old 03-08-2007, 05:03 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by john hd
i told norb just to drive to the factory and buy a new one. he can just toss it on the roof rack on the van!

then he can make a nice festivus pole out of the old one!

john
'Nuther good reason to have another rally at Norbs....nothing like some beered up guys trying to replace a zip dee!
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Old 03-08-2007, 05:43 PM   #12
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i'm game, let's put in his 30 amp service at the same time.

perfect time for a bon fire!

john
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Old 03-09-2007, 02:28 AM   #13
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Fix

Quote:
Originally Posted by gparker
Has anyone successfully straightened a bent awning roller using Zip Dee's method? How much would I have to pay for a new one-- about 25 feet long?
Thanks,
Greg
I worked on mine the other day after a high wind bend, was bent real bad in the middle, enough to crack the aluminun when I tried to straighten it out! I just cut out two small aluminum plates, curved them out to the same radius of the roller and riveted in place on both sides, works Ok but this is just a temporary fix, I know it won't last for years!
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