I completed one of my better jury rig jobs. Quite impressive I must say. Last year the deck umbrella blew off the deck two different times in wind storms. Two of the eight spokes snapped in two where they pivot and the pole/tube where they couple together got massively boogered up. Got some aluminum angle iron and put it around the busted spokes and bolted them on. Solved that problem. Chopped 1-1/2" off the tube to get a clean end and rigged some bolts in it to attach the bottom piece. It's solid again. Solved that problem. Then I added a grommet that fit in the center hole of the table where the umbrella pole fits thru. The amazing thing about that is the grommet I used. I ordered a grommet/seal for my fuel pump repair job last year. They sent me the wrong part. It was a grommet/seal for the gas tank, not the pump. So I just tossed it in the ole bone box figuring I'd never use it. Turns out I could not have designed a better part for that centerhole. It is 100% perfect and way better than the original grommet that came with the table. A gas tank grommet! Whatever works, I guess.
I applaud this heartily! Ingenuity and perseverance to be respected.
Before I moved I had containers of various bolts, screws, washers, nails, gizmos and whatnots for Just In Case. Came in very handy, though never as epic as what you did here. I hated leaving those goodies behind.
For family travels, my Just In Case packing pile far exceeded any other items to be packed. I’d be chided for that pile... until one of those Just In Case items saved the day. As they so often did!