The concepts of pre-stressed steel fabrication have been around for ages, but they are not often applied for simple welded structures like trailer frames or crane stands.
Articles – From the Mechanic
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Choosing Tandem Axles (and Triples)
It all rides on the trailer axles, so get them right. Here are some common technologies (and misnomers) for tandem axles and other multi-axle trailers.
Trailer Axles: Use Springs? Or Torsion Axle
In the discussion of trailer axle leaf springs versus a torsion axle, let’s put some engineering behind the debate. I don’t want to change opinions, but I would like to offer a practical perspective.
Do It Yourself, And Use The Right Tools !!
Fun side story about finding the right tools for a do-it-yourself (with a friend) in automotive repair. This story is not about building great new Do It Yourself projects, but it illustrates the need to have (borrow, or rent) the right tools for the job.
Gantry Crane I-Beam Clamp – Free Plans
Introducing a new product to the Mechanical Elements family of Do-It-Yourself Plans — the gantry crane I-Beam clamp. A simple product we give as Free Plans in our launch celebration! Well, is it really FREE Plans? Yes. Use the coupon code on
Save Big Buying DIY Project Nuts and Bolts
Ever wonder why fasteners like nuts and bolts are so expensive? You would think something so standard and manufactured in such high volumes would be cheap, but in most places, they’re actually pretty expensive. Why?
Did You Build It?
What is your DIY project story?
We’re interested in your DIY project. If you purchased plans at MechanicalElements.com, then we would love to see what you built.
Creative & Cheap, That’s How To Fixture
Oh, I need to drill a bunch of holes, all the same, in 8 parts. What a pain! And, I need to cut these other 5 pieces all to match. What a hassle to measure, mark, and cut each one! Is there a good way to make the job easier?
DIY – 7 Ways To Cut Steel
So, you need to cut steel for a DIY project (like a crane or trailer). Easy, Right? What’s the best, easiest, cheapest, fastest way of cutting steel? There must be dozens of ways, so, the better question might be
Video – Mig Welding Fire
I grew up with a fascination for metals. My father was a woodworker, and taught me young, so I have always built stuff from wood. Yet, metal is different, and welding beats glue in the fun department any day! And Mig Welding is just one path to the fun.
Trailer Tires? or Automotive Tires?
The topic of trailer tires has come up a hundred times. Why can’t I use automotive tires on my trailer?
That’s a fair question, so let’s explore it.
The Twisted Truth
Need a hole? Many of our plans require drilled holes, so here are some Tips about drilling in metal, like steel, as well as in wood, and other materials.
Spiraling Up
January 7, 2016. Mechanical Elements is back online with a new look, a new logo, new functionality, and a better shopping experience. — With — an expanded offering of the Same Great DIY Project Plans and so much more.