Glueing Plastic
May 20, 2019 7:11 AM Subscribe
I have a hard, polycarbonate plastic badge holder I use for work which has broken cleanly (no broken off pieces, just two thin peices of plastic that have fractured) where a lanyard attaches. I'd like to repair it if I can. Will super glue work?
This is the badge: ID badge holder
If not super glue, what else can I do to repair it? It has otherwise held up really well.
This is the badge: ID badge holder
If not super glue, what else can I do to repair it? It has otherwise held up really well.
Sure, super glue should work. In fact, if it's as you describe, wouldn't transparent tape work? It's surprisingly durable, can be easily replaced when necessary, and there's no risk of accidentally gluing something to your finger.
posted by ubiquity at 7:17 AM on May 20, 2019
posted by ubiquity at 7:17 AM on May 20, 2019
Two-part epoxy, aka "JB Weld" is great for this. Spew out a little from each tube onto a piece of cardboard. Mix thoroughly with something disposable. Spread a little on the larger item. Press the two items together, clamping if possible.
Cut away the excess that smooshed out of the seam once it's set up.
posted by notsnot at 7:57 AM on May 20, 2019
Cut away the excess that smooshed out of the seam once it's set up.
posted by notsnot at 7:57 AM on May 20, 2019
According to this Loctite plastic gluing guide, there are a lot of good options
posted by aubilenon at 8:36 AM on May 20, 2019
posted by aubilenon at 8:36 AM on May 20, 2019
Before you epoxy it, clean off the surfaces with isopropanol. Skin grease is one of the best non-stick compounds around
posted by scruss at 8:46 AM on May 20, 2019
posted by scruss at 8:46 AM on May 20, 2019
Another option: UV cure epoxy.
posted by aramaic at 8:56 AM on May 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by aramaic at 8:56 AM on May 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
This is an ideal use case for Sugru. It's a moldable, flexible glue putty that can be used to reinforce the spot where the lanyard connects to the badge holder.
posted by ourobouros at 11:52 AM on May 20, 2019
posted by ourobouros at 11:52 AM on May 20, 2019
+1 to two part epoxy or a polyurethane adhesive. Plastic is so easy to glue, you have tons of good options.
posted by potrzebie at 12:22 PM on May 20, 2019
posted by potrzebie at 12:22 PM on May 20, 2019
I'd use a solvent adhesive that dissolves the badge material so the broken edges merge into a solid. All the other suggestions depend on the glue sticking to the surface of the plastic, and many plastics don't cooperate.
If you can identify the type of plastic, this site should help you choose the best glu.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 2:05 PM on May 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
If you can identify the type of plastic, this site should help you choose the best glu.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 2:05 PM on May 20, 2019 [1 favorite]
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posted by mosst at 7:16 AM on May 20, 2019