Plastic Repairs using a Soldering Iron (1 Viewer)

[Revolvor]

I came across this YouTube video today, and thought it might prove useful to some people.

4x possible methods of repairing cracks in plastic.

 

[Jasz]

It may not be the neatest repair but the strength is amazing.

 

[Revolvor]

I suspect that a repair could be sanded down and any blemishes filled.

 

[stuartholmes]

Almost want to find plastic stuff I can break to test this...

 

[whiskyman]

Almost want to find plastic stuff I can break to test this...

Could you not test it on the bumper of the van in your avatar

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[dazandandrea]

Done very similar repairs in the past , various motorbike panels , Andreas Audi bumper and inner wing.
Currently replacing radiator on the Boxer and noticed the inner wheel arch liner is cracked and in 2 parts, that will be welded later today.

 

[stuartholmes]

Could you not test it on the bumper of the van in your avatar

I'd love to have access to that car, or at least know what happened to the driver..
Actually I think the bumper is probably fine, but the spoiler definitely spoiled.

 

[Gromett]

The bit where he was cutting the staples with side cutters was wrong. They have score at the bottom and they just twist off.
Also he put the staples in the wrong orientation. They cross the crack in the plastic once each. If he rotated them 90° They cross backwards and forward over the crack 4 times and give a much stronger joint.

 

[Gromett]

Like this;

Not like he did like this;

 

[Bubba]

I have done a lot of plastic welding using a small flame torch and plastic welding clips. Filling in and small holes with melted zip ties.
Works a treat and stronger then the plastic surrounding the repair.

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[tonyysue]

I came across this YouTube video today, and thought it might prove useful to some people.

4x possible methods of repairing cracks in plastic.

Have been doing this both at home and away since I was 20 - I’m 79 now! Just don’t breathe in the fumes!

 

[Gromett]

Can't wait to get into my plastic welding. Got my custom CNC parts arriving later today.
Sheets of 2m x 1M arrived yesterday.

Got the welding rod Big reel 2KG each of black and white.

Got some White thick stuff for making jigs.

And some new toys to play with.

Lots more going on, but will do a proper thread on it when I get started, hopefully tomorrow.

 

[Dave and Jan]

First trip out in a new van. Driving from Boscastle on the narrowest of roads when the local bus came in the other direction. I’d just passed a field entrance so tried to reverse over as far as possible and ‘crack’ pile of stones hidden in what looked like long grass. Two cracks on rear panel. Mobile Motorhome / caravan repair man came and plastic welded them. Rub down, bit of filler and a spray of paint and you’d never know. I was amazed that he’d used what looked like a soldering iron!

 

[Dave and Jan]

First trip out in a new van. Driving from Boscastle on the narrowest of roads when the local bus came in the other direction. I’d just passed a field entrance so tried to reverse over as far as possible and ‘crack’ pile of stones hidden in what looked like long grass. Two cracks on rear panel. Mobile Motorhome / caravan repair man came and plastic welded them. Rub down, bit of filler and a spray of paint and you’d never know. I was amazed that he’d used what looked like a soldering iron!

 

[TonyEmm]

I came across this YouTube video today, and thought it might prove useful to some people.

4x possible methods of repairing cracks in plastic.

I’ve done plastic welding a few times with limited success… Mine was unreinforced though… I love the steel wool idea!

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[TonyEmm]

I’ve done plastic welding a few times with limited success… Mine was unreinforced though… I love the steel wool idea!

I would add, if using a plastic filler rod, it needs to be the same type of plastic, they are not all the same!

 

[Simonjdcooper]

I came across this YouTube video today, and thought it might prove useful to some people.

4x possible methods of repairing cracks in plastic.

I use fine gauge steel mesh when repairing motorbike bodywork, should work for bumpers too. the rest is simple enough melt it into the plastic, and the mesh reinforces the weld with a flexible semi rigid fix.

 

[TonyEmm]

I would add, if using a plastic filler rod, it needs to be the same type of plastic, they are not all the same!

Following on, I’ve just refurb’ed a trailer that had 2x cracked 13” mudguards.
Quite pricey to replace so plastic welded them from underneath. Took em off first and did them on the bench!

Missus had no steel wool so I substituted stranded copper wire with the insulation stripped back. It’s worked a treat! Virtually no signs of cracking….

 

[Revolvor]

Following on, I’ve just refurb’ed a trailer that had 2x cracked 13” mudguards.
Quite pricey to replace so plastic welded them from underneath. Took em off first and did them on the bench!

Missus had no steel wool so I substituted stranded copper wire with the insulation stripped back. It’s worked a treat! Virtually no signs of cracking….



View attachment 913607

Looks good!

 

[Dorwyn]

I would add, if using a plastic filler rod, it needs to be the same type of plastic, they are not all the same!

How do you know what type of plastic it is? How can one find out, is there a simple test, like set fire to it?

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[cyberyacht]

Done some temp tack 'welds' with my soldering iron on the rear bumper. Van goes in for a proper job tomorrow.