Sealing Galvanizing Holes

[wubwub]

We have a current tube framed structural support that is supporting some equipment. The framing was hot-dipped galvanized in the shop and in order to do that, there are holes in the tubes that were required during the galvanizing process.

The client would like to have the holes plugged at locations where it would be possible for water to enter the handrail. In the past, I would just plug the hole with a weld and recoat the area with a cold-galvanizing spray on.

Due to the large number of holes that need to be plugged, one option the contractor brought up, instead of welding, is to use a sealant or caulk of some kind at each hole to seal it up. He said he has used a caulk from Vulkem in the past to plug holes. Does anyone have experience using caulk or sealant in this manner, whether it was good or bad? If it was a good experience, do you have a recommendation for a caulk that works well in this situation?

The structure is located outside, so there are weather concerns as well.

Thanks in advance to anyone who repsonds.

 

[JStephen]

The thing is galvanized inside, too, so I wouldn't worry about it a whole lot. They do make galvanized piping and tanks, so the water isn't necessarily that big a deal.

If you have a McMasterCarr catalog, peruse it. They have no end of various plugs and caps (rubber and plastic) that can be used on something like this. You might still have to seal them with a sealant. And seems like I have seen some plugs like this at the local hardware stores as well.