Broken Ventilator Needs Mechanical Support

[Subtitles]

Hi cholla
I didn't have time to do the repair.
I was sick for two weeks
But this is what I will try when I have the energy to do it. See image
Will connect the two parts using small hinges and 4 screws.

[thecoalman]

Not sure if you noticed but that hinge I posted has a lever lock on it so hinge can be locked in any position. If you don't need that functionality use angle brackets instead.

If you are screwing directly into the plastic minimally drill a pilot hole or you'll probably crack the plastic. Screws by themselves will put a lot of stress on the plastic in small area. Instead drill holes and use machine screws same size as hole with washers both sides if possible. You can even use a little epoxy or something else to insure snug fit and strengthen the structure.

[cholla]

I'm close to agreeing with thecoalman.
Nuts & bolts if possible.They do not have to be machine bolts.
They also make Nyloc nuts which are a self locking nut.

If you decide on screws metal or wood.
Then match the drill bit size to the center shaft of the screw as close as you can.
Holding a drill bit close to the screw & comparing to the center shaft size is a good way.
There are also charts for giving what is supposed to be the correct size hole to drill.

Also if there is a glue you can live with using. A coat of it under the hinges or angle brackets can only help strengthen the repair.

[thecoalman]

Machine screws differ from bolts by the head. Bolts have hexagonal head. The heads on machine screws can be multiple types like panhead, oval etc. For this case you'll probably want a flat head which will fit flush with the hinge, note that is not indication of tool type. Tool type also differs. Typically used in smaller application like this. Screw type and size should be whatever the hinge hole is. Drill size should be imprinted on drill bit.

The nuts with the nylon insert are good idea but more important is the washers, specifically flat washers because that will spread the force to larger area especially if you add a little epoxy behind it. Also consider getting a metal pipe of similar diameter to plastic and hammer the washers into semi circular shape. Curved washers can also be purchased