The five things to send
1. A close-up of the damage
Get close enough to see the crack, break, or bent spot clearly. Wipe off mud or grease first if you can. Good light helps a lot.
2. A wide shot of the whole part
The close-up shows the break. The wide shot shows what it is attached to and how big it is. Take this from far enough back to see the whole gate, trailer tongue, or railing run.
3. A rough measurement
A tape measure in the photo is perfect. If not, a note like "gate is about 12 feet wide" or "crack is about 4 inches long" helps.
4. The metal, if you know it
Steel, iron, or aluminum? If you are not sure, say so. A magnet test helps: a magnet sticks to steel and iron, not to aluminum.
5. Where it is and how to reach it
Driveway, back pasture, job site, boat ramp? Tell us the town and any access issues like locked gates or soft ground.
Extra details that help
- How it broke. Hit by a vehicle, rusted through, cracked under load.
- Previous repairs. Old welds near the break change the job.
- Whether it is in use. A trailer you need for a haul next week is a different priority than a garden gate.
Photo tips for specific jobs
Trailers: Photograph the tongue, coupler, and cross-members from underneath if it is safe. Our guide to spotting trailer weld failures shows where cracks usually start. Gates and fences: Show both hinge sides and the latch, plus the post at ground level. Railings: Show where the railing meets the floor, stairs, or wall. Loose anchors are common. Equipment buckets and arms: Show the full bucket edge and the area around the crack.What a photo quote can and cannot do
Many common repairs can be priced from good photos. Rough ranges for frequent jobs: a trailer hitch or tongue repair usually runs $150 to $350, a gate hinge or frame repair $100 to $300, and an excavator bucket repair $200 to $600. See mobile welding cost in Knoxville for more detail.
If the photos do not show enough, for example hidden rust or structural damage, we come out, measure, and assess in person at no cost.
Is my job too small?
Probably not. Read what size welding job is too small, and for timing questions see how long mobile welding takes. Choosing between welders? How to choose a mobile welder in East Tennessee lists what to ask.
Send your photos
Use our free quote form to send photos and details. Every quote is free and given before any work starts.
FAQ
Do I need to be home when you come to measure?Not always, as long as we can safely reach the item. Mention it in your request.
Can you quote aluminum from a photo?Often, yes. Aluminum boat trailers, ramps, and railings are common.
What work do you not take?We do not do copper, brass, brazing, or soldering, or engine and transmission repair.
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