How to neatly glue grab irons

[dstaley]

Hey guys,
What's your trick for neatly applying just a little CA to grab irons?

I'm aware of the benefits of applying the glue from the inside, but other than that I'm not sure how to carefully put just a precise amount of CA on the joint. Every time I try I get more than I want. I've tried the conical fine point tips but they just seem to hold a lot of glue and act more like an extension than an aid in applying just a small amount.

I've heard of the split needle eye method- anyone out ther using this? Any pther suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Douglas Staley

[ckape]

Well, I generally put a little bit on a toothpick and then transfer it to the grab irons. If I get too much on I'll just grab some scrap paper and use that to wick away some of the glue. It's still a little messy, so I generally apply the glue from inside whenever possible and apply the grab irons before the paint job.

[Javern]

a dab on the end of a sewing needle

[Anonymous]

I've had some success with "precision" bottles of CA that have fine applicator tubes - I use these to fix Athearn metal handrails as the glue tends to be drawn into the joint between the stanchion and the handrail, leaving no large lumps of glue visible. Failing that, a cocktail stick or toothpick is a good way of applying a small drop of glue to where it's needed.

[cwclark]

yep...same as above...squirt out a little CA glue on a scrap piece of plywood and apply it to the grab iron and to the hole the grab iron is going to go into with a very small amount on a toothpick ...chuck[:D]

[orsonroy]

I add a puddle of superglue to a plastic bottlecap (Gatorade lids work best), grap the handrails with a pair of reverse-action tweezers, and dip them into the puddle. Add them to the car and the entire hole now has a neat, thin layer of superglue in it.

[snowey]

I read somewhere years ago, about a good way to insert grab irons without drilling a hole and not having to glue them in place, if the car's plastic.
Heat the ends of the grab iron, and press it into the plastic. Once the plastic hardens again, it will be held firm.

[CNJ831]

If the holes are drilled through into the interior of the car, place a tiny drop of ordinary (thin) CA over the _interior side_ of the holes. The CA will normally "wick" into the hole by itself. Then insert the grab and you're all set, no fuss no mess.

CNJ831