What glue for systainer repair?

[danrush]

I was "modifying" one of my sortainers and snapped off some of the clips that hold it together.  I know there are specific glues used for certain types of plastics, but don't know anything about them.  I have used epoxy previously for minor repairs, but with just moderate success.  I've seen glue for plastics at the big box stores,  but I always seem to have problems with glues I buy off the specialty racks there.

Any ideas?  Thanks, Dan

 

[jonny round boy]

Dan,

I've been meaning to ask the same question myself - my domino assortment systainer got dropped in transit, and one of the corners is damaged.

The systainers are ABS. I looked at various adhesives/solvents, but I ended up quite confused as there's a lot of conflicting information from manufacturers.

For example this site shows one product 'suitable for PVC & ABS', whereas this site lists 2 different products, one for ABS and a separate one for PVC.

I did discover that Butanone, also known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), is used for 'welding' ABS, so this may be best. However I don't know if any of the products linked to above contain this chemical.

As I said, it's quite confusing [huh]

For my situation, I could try solvent weld cement that I already have (for glueing waste fittings) as it's not a critical area. It sounds like your repair is in a critical location, though.

I'd like to hear what others think, and if anyone has a definitive answer....

 

[Michael Kellough]

If you have a clean break I'd go with thin crazy glue type adhesive and then reinforce with epoxy.
The solvent type adhesives soften the plastic itself and the dimensions can change and
you'll need to support the pieces until the joint re-solidifies.

 

[peter halle]

Unfortunately I can inform you that acetone will weld the plastic together. From personal experience.

Peter

 

[Frans]

Most ABS glues contain MEK, mixed with fillers and other stuff to prevent it from evaporating too quickly. As I have a small bottle of MEK at hand (for repairing my kid's Legos), I'd use that for repairs. Just press the cracked part back together and brush on a bit of MEK. A few drops will probably suffice, the stuff will be sucked into the crack. The joint hardens within a minute. In the case of sortainers I wouldn't worry about changing dimensions.

MEK works the same as acetone, but dissolves the plastic a lot quicker. If possible, you can reinforce the joint with another piece of ABS (don't tell my kids, but there's loads of ABS available in my household...).

Please note that both MEK and acetone are poisonous and the fumes are not particularly healthy either.

Frans

 

[Roseland]

Any solvent-based adhesive, for instance MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) or acetone (di-Methyl Ketone ) will give a strong bond.  I recommend a liquid glue rather than a tube.

I don't think you should be overly worried about dimensional change with the adhesives unless you go overboard with them.

I don't rate your chances for a strong joint with other adhesives.

A

 

[peter halle]

Don't do this to your systainer.

[attachimg=#]

Peter

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Don't do this to your systainer.

I'll try not to!

What happened to the poor thing?

Forrest

 

[Michael Kellough]

That looks horrible  [eek]

The green color doesn't help...

 

[peter halle]

A new sealed 1 gallon can of acetone - hence my discovery that acetone can be used to weld systainers - tipped over and leaked onto it.  The lid was semi welded closed along with the latches.  So much for that limited edition mini.  At least it didn't eat thru the lid and dissolve the sanding blocks.  I have to laugh at myself!

Peter  [poke] Peter

 

[score0matic]

Peter
That was AWESOME..... Not the Systainer but your willingness to show us [big grin].  I have an acetone ring on the top of my laminate kit where I sat an open can down.
Craig

 

[peter halle]

Craig,

If it could help a fellow Fogger, I'm for it.  Well, not this I admit.

I laugh at myself in the mirror daily.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

That's all right, I melted the bottom of my drill systainer.  Ok, it wasn't totally my fault, the old lady didn't look before she turned the stove on.

I know, my fault for putting on the stove.

 

[peter halle]

Darcy,

I just had something similar happen with a stove.  I'll have to gain a little bit more courage before I admit it here though.

Peter

 

[Frans]

Peter,

Perhaps you coud try a gallon of MEK next time, so we can analyze the difference...  ;D

Frans

 

[danrush]

Thanks all,  (especially to Peter for his most excellent tutorial) [big grin]

I used acetone VERY sparingly along the joint and broken clips, and allowed it to soak in.  Boy, that stuff melts the plastic fast.  just a stray drop or two, wiped up quickly and still some light damage.  Seems to have worked like a charm.  I'll load the drawers and use it on a job tomorrow.  If it seems to have longterm strength, look for some "supertainers " to grace these pages soon.

Thanks again, Dan