Other glues rely on specific adhesion bonding, meaning they react chemically with the objects they stick on and to. Epoxy glue is one example. Certain materials require such adhesives, like plastics—which are literally welded together chemically. Today’s newer urethane glues are also interesting. They’re actually activated by moisture. The newer polyurethane glues mechanically bond to masonry, glass, wood, metal, and many plastics. Once dry, urethane glues are highly water resistant; some are waterproof. They’re probably the most versatile adhesives you will find. Buy only a small bottle, since as you use the glue, the bottle fills with air, and moisture in the air can react with the remaining glue, causing it to spoil. Construction adhesives (usually in tubes) are formulated to bond poorly fitting materials. These glues can easily bridge gaps. They’re generally not as strong as other adhesives, with a maximum strength around 600 PSI. . It’s a well-worn phrase, but bears repeating: To achieve the best results when using glues or adhesives, always read the instructions! And follow them to the letter. Also remember, it’s always best to test glues before using them. I know this will take extra time, but it’s worth it. I’ve found the plastic lids from various food products to be perfect for mixing small batches of most of these adhesives. Here are some other glues and adhesives found in my toolbox. Corona Dope Originally designed to prevent arcing in TV high voltage circuits. This lacquer has excellent dielectric, arc and corona resisting properties and protects surfaces against moisture. Such protection is achieved with a quick drying, black lacquer insulating coating based on a cellulose resin. Temperature range: to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). This lacquer is used to coat flyback coils, transformers, and to improve the insulation and weather resistance properties of wires. Q Dope This is a solution of pure polystyrene in solvents. It dries fast and leaves a clear, protective coating on coils and transformers, with minimal effect on inductive values. It may also be used as cement for molded or fabricated items made of polystyrene. UHU-Hart: "Airplane Glue" This is the best-selling model airplane cement in Germany. It’s very fast setting and glues ABS plastic (which can sometimes be hard to glue)! It’s absolutely clear, ultra lightweight and very strong when dried. STABILIT EXPRESS You'll become addicted to it! As an adhesive, Stabilit Express will firmly adhere anything to anything. It’s unsurpassed in joining things like nylon to fiberglas, or metal to plastic, or plastic to fiberglas. It is a two-part methylacrylic adhesive. The material sets in only 20 minutes; it’s light-colored, and can be sanded and finished once set. The cured material has both compressive and tensile strength, and can be used as a structural element, in addition to bonding. RTV GE #142 (RTV means “room temperature vulcanizing,” but for hams, that GE part number is critical!) This is a non-acidic RTV silicone. Typical RTVs you encounter give off acetic gas as they cure (usually indicated on the label—they smell like vinegar while curing), meaning your hardware is sitting in acid, protected from the rain. I once tested some RG-213 with the normal hardware store stuff, and the braid was gone in a few days. ScotchKote "Scotchkote" Brand Electrical Coating is a fast drying sealant and bonding agent recommended for joints wrapped with plastic electrical tape. The product is supplied in a 15-oz. brush top can. Product Features
"Scotchkote" Brand Electrical Coating is intended for use as an outer seal on plastic tape applications which are subjected to excessive amounts of oil. It also improves the weather resistance and moisture resistance of the taped joint or splice. It is suitable for direct burial, direct water immersion or above ground applications. Ultraviolet destroys it rather quickly, but for splices to be buried, it’s invaluable. Liquid electrical tape I’ve recently started using this—mostly in black, although it comes in quite a few colors, and retails for about $5.00 for a 6-oz. can. It dries in about 20 minutes and seems to be great for covering entire connectors. What’s in your toolbox? --K4ZA |