Good bonding product for ABS plastic repair?

[99gst_racer]

I'm looking for a product to repair an ABS plastic crack. I have experience with fiberglassing and JB Weld, but I have a feeling there's a much better product/method for this application. Does anyone have any recommendations on some sort of epoxy or the like that will work for a long-lasting fix on ABS in a harsh environment?

 

[turbosax2]

I'll have to verify which of these I have, but I can testify it works and the bond is rock solid.
Weld-On #4707 ABS Glue Low VOC Solvent Adhesive Glue Pint Can
IPS Weld-On #2354 Plastic Solvent ABS, Styrene Adhesive Glue

 

[arrowhead]

3M makes one that it comes in 2 parts and you have to get the applicator that looks like a double coulking gun , how permanent? dont know

I nave some in the shop if you need part numbers it is about the best I have found.

 

[JusMX141]

Best-seller at my workplace:

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I think it's $12.95 for the amount shown above...we also have it in caulking-gun size for the twin-tube auto body repair guns.

 

[99gst_racer]

Thanks Eric. The "for ABS only" part scares me a little. I guess I need to confirm that this plastic is ABS and not some other composition. I was only assuming it was ABS, and thinking plastic bonding compounds were not so specific.

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

It's strange you asked this... My miata was vandalized and the stock wing was virtually snapped. I planned on fiberglassing it, but I may attempt to just bond it, and hit it with some fiber filler instead.

awaiting the results as to what's the best fit....

 

[99gst_racer]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

Justin, is that stuff pretty thick in regards to vicosity? For what I'm repairing, the thicker the better.

 

[2slow4now]

I'm not 100% on how well this will adhere to ABS specifically but I used to use this at work on several automotive type plastic housings that went on stern drives and even some that would have to withstand being underwater while the boats were moving. Amazing stuff.
Marine Tex, epoxy resin, adhesives, silicone grease, engine treatment, cleaner, repair, bond, fill, seal, fiberglass, aluminum, plastics, Starboard, wood

What exactly are you fixing paul?


For a crack in the plastic housings I was talking about I would find the end of the crack, drill a hole to stop it from travelling farther, groove out the crack with a die grinder (such as when welding), for added strength grind grooves perpendicular to the crack like stitches, and apply the epoxy. Since the stuff stays so sticky while applying if you try to smooth it you can pull it out of the crack. Just use a spray bottle with some soapy water as a release agent and you can smooth it easier without sticking to your fingers or popsicle stick. Wait and sand it down tomorrow. I fixed many plastic covers this way and very rarely did any ever crack again. Honestly I think the one's that got cracked were probably from people using the drive as a ladder to get out of the water.

 

[HIGHPSI4]

Have you investigated getting it welded if it is a material that will allow that process. I know that ABS can be welded back together, I had a friend that installed underground plastic gas lines and he could really do a great job.

 

[blindboarder_02]

I'm a fan of 3M Automix Plastic Repair compound. Works on every different type of plastic bumper i've come across.
*Does not work with SMC or Fiber compound*

Basic prep and cleaning procedures should be followed. This epoxy hardens quick and sands easier than bondo. Can be feathered for appearance easily with 320 grit.

Also hot staplers work for strength behind a crack or when applying a new piece of plastic.

5 minute flash time. You can spray primer directly over it also. Use the adhesion promoter as necessary

 

[99gst_racer]

I ended up using a steel reinforced epoxy from Valco. So far, so good. I stop drilled the crack, gouged it out, filled it in, and sanded it smooth. I also had to recreate a corner about the size of a nickel that had broken off. And then I painted it black and whala...

I also piled the epoxy in on the inside of the crack to give it more reinforcement and hopefully prevent future cracks.

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[blindboarder_02]

Nice.