Track Splinter Guard Keeps Peeling

[Stone]

I keep having to replace the splinter guard on my track because it peels off at the ends.  I clean the tack with acetone before replacing, but the doesn’t seem to work. Any suggestions?

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Try warming the splinter strip with a hairdryer before you apply it. It softens the adhesive so it grabs better. It's always worked for me. It also works on peeled ends. Clean the end of the rail under the peeled section with acetone, warm the strip ends up, and press 'em down.

 

[jdm5]

I found clear packing tape on both ends helps prevent it from peeling off.

Though we shouldn’t have to do this on a Festool product!!!!!

 

[dashboardpws]

Get a roll of "Killer Red" double-sided tape from Bron. It's not cheap, but you'll find plenty of uses for it and one good one is securing those ends.

 

[peter halle]

Switch over to the black Makita strips.  Sorry Festool.

Peter

 

[jeh]

Might try a light scuff where it goes especially at the ends. Also make sure there it is not any stretch in it when you push it down. Follow up with some warm heat.

 

[Packard]

Buy a roll of 3M’s adhesive transfer tape.  It is like Scotch tape without the tape, just the adhesive.  You should be able to apply some extra adhesive. 

Note:  Adhesive Transfer Tape is available in two basic types.  One that is applied with at “gun, which is really a tape dispenser, and the other that is applied by hand.  For this application, use the one that applies by hand. 

There are also two (that I know of) strengths of adhesive available, regular and heavy duty.  You want the heavy duty for this application. 

Once you have it, you will find endless uses.  But don’t apply it to wood that will become visible.  I have a very difficult time removing the adhesive. 

There is also a tape made for applications to polypropylene, but it has a clear carrier. I’ve never tried it, but it looks interesting.

3M’s videos are always tightly edited and are delightfully short.  Others making instructional videos would do well to do the same.

I did notice that 3M used alcohol.  If you are using acetone, don’t use the stuff that is formulated for removing nail polish.  They have additives to be kinder to your skin and it will compromise the bond.

I have always found acetone to be an excellent cleaner, but I use alcohol more often.

 

[Scott in San Diego]

As Peter mentioned, just get the Makita black rubber strips.

In my personal observation, I believe the failure cause is the relatively high linear thermal expansion of the aluminum rail.  The clear plastic Festool strip is way more rigid than the Makita black rubber ones.  As the rail expands, with increased temperatures, the clear strip expands at a lesser rate than the rail.  That could result in an adhesive shear failure.  The black rubber strip also has a lower expansion rate than the rail, but the rubber is more flexible and seems to keep up with the rail.

I have 12 Festool rails and every one that came with the clear splinter guard has spit the bit. 

 

[luvmytoolz]

As Peter mentioned, just get the Makita black rubber strips.

In my personal observation, I believe the failure cause is the relatively high linear thermal expansion of the aluminum rail.  The clear plastic Festool strip is way more rigid than the Makita black rubber ones.  As the rail expands, with increased temperatures, the clear strip expands at a lesser rate than the rail.  That could result in an adhesive shear failure.  The black rubber strip also has a lower expansion rate than the rail, but the rubber is more flexible and seems to keep up with the rail.

I have 12 Festool rails and every one that came with the clear splinter guard has spit the bit.

I don't know about that, I have the very first rails released and the splinter guard and the soft rubber cushioning strips are all still intact after many decades of use and very indiscriminate storage, whereas on some of my newer rails that I've deliberately avoided exposing to temp extremes, the strip wants to separate. I think Festool changed something along the way that affected the grip the strips had.

 

[Packard]

I keep my track saw in a cabinet I built in my garage.  The track hangs on the outside of the cabinet.

In the cold weather the strips came loose. I did all the precautions using alcohol to clean the surface and pressing down hard. I know I used a wallpaper seam roller to do that, but I don’t remember if that worked or if I abandoned it.  I resolved that problem by also switching to the Makita splinter guards. 

As an added benefit the Makita strips ar far less expensive.