Acer's Bad Idea

February 12, 2016 1:32 PM

How can I repair injection molded plastic?

I've got a laptop that has three broken screw posts. These are supposed to hold down the left side of the keyboard cover/palmrest. The posts consist of a brass nuts embedded in the plastic. The screws go through the bottom of the laptop into the posts which are on the underside of the palmrest.

Pictures

The molded plastic is busted, but I still have the nuts and screws. Is there anyway to attach the nuts to the palmrest frame so that I can securely screw it down?

There is a replacement palmrest/keyboard combo I can buy for $99. But I'd prefer to repair what I have, if possible.

posted by zinon to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

Best answer: Polymorph is a low temperature thermoplastic that you can mould with your hands. Build whatever shape you want with the polymorph then use a dab of superglue or epoxy to glue the polymorph to the body of the laptop. You might also check out epoxy putty.
posted by gregr at 1:58 PM on February 12, 2016 [3 favorites]

Best answer: First I'd try plastic model cement (get the good stuff not the non-toxic varieties) it you have a complete post. It actually solvent welds plastic together. If that doesn't work (not all plastics will melt in the solvent) I'd use JB Weld. With the JB weld you can build up a post to hold the brass nut if you no longer have the complete plastic post.
posted by Mitheral at 2:02 PM on February 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Maybe try Sugru to hold it all together somehow?
posted by cgg at 2:51 PM on February 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

I came in to suggest Sugru too.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 2:52 PM on February 12, 2016

Best answer: JB Weld is stronger than Sugru, cheaper than Sugru, adheres better than Sugru, and can be bought at any hardware store. I'd actually recommend the JB Stick version, or really any epoxy putty as suggested by gregr. It's great stuff. It'll do what you want it to do.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 3:18 PM on February 12, 2016 [5 favorites]

Best answer: Epoxy putty for the win. That stuff is strong, and it sticks very well.
posted by Too-Ticky at 3:20 PM on February 12, 2016 [2 favorites]