During the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's, Reynolds-French explored new methods of casting repair and cracked castings which could not be held by the conventional method of metal lock and lacing. In fact, a very small percentage of the many companies who were limited to metal lock and lacing were able to survive. These larger metal lock required a completely different method of installation from the conventional method used for the small metal lock. The crack is pulled together as the bolt is heated and installed, further increasing the effect of the tightening. This method transfers the load from the cracked castings area to the bolt threads and the areas below the bolt.
Steel is cut and hand-fitted to an area of the cracked castings which has been cut out and removed.
It is then secured in place without welding. Reinforcing the walls of the cracked castings with steel plating. This is secured by bolting. The steel is hand-fitted for a maximum contact. Steel pieces, often very many, are cut, fitted, and installed in such a way that the damaged area, which was previously overloaded with stress now is relieved because the steel is transferring the load to a different cast iron area.