What is the Best Glue for Repairs? (1 Viewer)

[tfischer]

Hello All,

I am looking for a fast acting glue to repair some figures I have that have lost their spearpoints. I havn't had to repair anything before and am not sure where to begin to look for this. I checked out some hobby websites and there were so many to choose from I didn't know where to start.

Any help you can provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[theBaron]

"What is the best glue for repairs?"

It depends on the nature of the piece and the damage.

Most of us, it's safe to say, use either a fast-curing cyano-acrylate glue, also known as CA glue, or "super glue", or a 2-part epoxy.

CA glue cures quickly, from instantly to seconds, depending on the formula. 2-part epoxies take longer to cure, depending on the formula, from 5 minutes to 15.

Whatever the repair, you want to consider not just the glue, but whether you need to take steps to repair the join and prevent future breaks. Most frequently, that means adding a pin of some kind to the area to be fixed, to strengthen it. After all, it was weak to begin with. In your case, with the spear points, you might want to use a pin vise and a fine drill bit to drill a hole in the spear shaft and spearhead, and insert a piece of fine wire as a pin, then flow some CA glue into the repair. Pinning the join in this way makes the join stronger--the pin protects against shear forces that would tend to break the glue bond, locking the piece in place, as opposed to a simple butt join of two flat faces. You could also use a 2-part epoxy for this repair. It will take a few minutes to cure, but you can adjust the piece while the glue sets.

I have also read that in terms of longevity, 2-part epoxies hold longer than CA glues, but we're talking in terms of years, and I haven't set up an experiment myself, to see if that assertion tests out.

Personally, for spears, if I can replace the spear with one made of brass rod with a shaped head, I do, because that's stronger than a cast white metal spear.

I'm sure the other builders here will have good advice to offer you and will be able to correct anything I've said that they found not to work.

Prost!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

"What is the best glue for repairs?"

It depends on the nature of the piece and the damage.

Most of us, it's safe to say, use either a fast-curing cyano-acrylate glue, also known as CA glue, or "super glue", or a 2-part epoxy.

CA glue cures quickly, from instantly to seconds, depending on the formula. 2-part epoxies take longer to cure, depending on the formula, from 5 minutes to 15.

Whatever the repair, you want to consider not just the glue, but whether you need to take steps to repair the join and prevent future breaks. Most frequently, that means adding a pin of some kind to the area to be fixed, to strengthen it. After all, it was weak to begin with. In your case, with the spear points, you might want to use a pin vise and a fine drill bit to drill a hole in the spear shaft and spearhead, and insert a piece of fine wire as a pin, then flow some CA glue into the repair. Pinning the join in this way makes the join stronger--the pin protects against shear forces that would tend to break the glue bond, locking the piece in place, as opposed to a simple butt join of two flat faces. You could also use a 2-part epoxy for this repair. It will take a few minutes to cure, but you can adjust the piece while the glue sets.

I have also read that in terms of longevity, 2-part epoxies hold longer than CA glues, but we're talking in terms of years, and I haven't set up an experiment myself, to see if that assertion tests out.

Personally, for spears, if I can replace the spear with one made of brass rod with a shaped head, I do, because that's stronger than a cast white metal spear.

I'm sure the other builders here will have good advice to offer you and will be able to correct anything I've said that they found not to work.

Prost!
Brad

I agree with everything said here - well put Brad. I might add that Flag Poles and Lances made from soft white metal, also benefit from being made/replaced with either brass or steel rod. This is because the softness of the metal and the length of a very thin shaft - means that they are very prone to bending and breakages. Glueing and pinning is an excellent repair too. The humble paper-clip - cut to an appropriate length, makes excellent pins, arrow shafts etcetera. jb

 

[Wraith]

Tim,
What Brad said!
I use both 2 part epoxy and CA, dependant on what it is that needs repairing. If, for example, a small piece has come loose from a vehicle and is not weight bearing, I'd probably go for CA, likewise, a water canteen that has come off a figure. If it's something that is likely to be under some strain, then 2 part epoxy would be more preferable.
Advantages with CA is that it is of a thin viscosity and easily controlled, whereas the epoxy is thicker and 'gunkier', but tougher.
Simon

 

[Warrior]

The best glue on the planet is Locktite, they sell it at Home Depot.

No mixing, no nothing, use it sparingly right out of the bottle, puts all other glues to shame.

Begins and ends with Locktite.

 

[Ragnar]

The best glue on the planet is Locktite, they sell it at Home Depot.

No mixing, no nothing, use it sparingly right out of the bottle, puts all other glues to shame.

Begins and ends with Locktite.

Warrior I agree 100% LOCTITE is the way to go!......the little bottle that allows you to squeeze the sides to control the drops brilliant.
I did switch to the Gel version though.

 

[Warrior]

I've used it to glue broken bayonets back and broken swords back, works virtually every time.

I've also used it to glue back plumes, swords and bayonets on 20mm metal figures as well............

 

[PanzerAce1944]

I have used super glue on several occasions, to include repairing broken bayonets, etc..... Once it dries the surface can be painted over to look good as new ! ^&grin

The parts being mended together simply have to be held together for 2-3 minutes.