A number of years ago I bought a special brand (can't recall the name now) that a fellow was selling at the Timoium Train Show. It really did work GREAT.
His claim, sales pitch, was that the better ones were 'distilled' to a higher quality.
I do remember it came from Austria.
Oops., I just remembered I did NOT find this product at the train show, but rather at the Annapolis Sailboat Show ( I was in the boat business at the time).
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
Glue...I didn't realize there was so much technology in "adhesives" until I watched a History Channel DVD titled "glue". I was amazed that there are so many glues out there and their purpose based on their strength and environment. There is a glue for everything. Anyway, getting back to the topic, I have had good results using Loctite 495.
Agreed generally best to use a solvent when gluing styrene, but in many circumstances where you need a quick bond CA is ideal. CA is a really versatile adhesive but what I have learned from long experience is don’t buy the cheap stuff. It often bonds poorly and the storage life is short when opened. Tried the refrigerator trick which doesn’t help much either. Found even Locktite brand and the “unbranded” hobby store stuff not much better. Then started using Jet brand medium viscosity and get consistently good bond and if you keep the cap on once open, lasts well over a year just sitting on my bench. I also find their medium viscosity works better than thin.... not too often we have the zero gap joints needed for thin type of any brand to work well. So my advice is buy the better brand and pay a little more and you will be much happier with the performance. No adhesive works for every job, but a quality medium viscosity CA provides fast bonding of more materials then any other adhesive short of two part epoxy which has its own disadvantages. Also note that medium viscosity CA does not have an instant bond... takes maybe 3-5 seconds, which is an advantage because you can adjust the part position. If you need a faster bond, use accelerator (which is really useful stuff, try it if you never have).
If I recall correctly, superglue (ca) is ridiculously strong for pull strength—i.e. The commercial with the guy hanging from his helmet. He hangs there no problem with no camera trickery. But it’s shear strength is actually rather weak. Lightly tap that guy’s helmet sideways with a hammer and he falls. Obviously please correct me if I’m wrong.
Graham Line Superglues are the right answer about 10% of the time.....
Superglues are the right answer about 10% of the time.....
I agree! Solvent-type cements are better for most plastic-to-plastic joints, and my main use for ca is for joining dissimilar materials where there's also a mechanical connection, such as grabirons or sill steps installed in drilled holes, then further secured with a minute amount of ca.
Wayne
Superglues are the right answer about 10% of the time.
I'm trying to sell a friend's accumulation of all-styrene freight car kits that he chose to assemble with super glues. The cars are 15-20 years old and shed parts whenever someone even looks at them.
For my own stuff, when I need to join metal to plastic, or other tricky joints, I use the tiny tubes of CA that Scotch sells in multi-packs.
Otherwise, it's the right solvent, or right glue, or soldering. I've seen people use CA in plastic building kits and have them fall to pieces in a couple of years.
Shelf life varies with where you live. Where I live it can last close to a year opened depending and whether it is gel or not. Gel has a longer shelf life. Buy mine at the $ store, name brand to if you read the fine print.
OT Dean I've been keeping CA, sealed in small jars, in the refrigerator since I first started using it. Those of us of a ceertain age remember when MR first reported on "Alpha Cyanoacryate Cement," manufatured by a Japanese firm (Aron Alpha brand) and Eastman Kodak (Eastman 910) and if I remember correctly, MR recommended adding to its shelf life by refrigerating it. I DO remember our favorite hobby dealer, Gene Viesflog of the Hobby Hut, kept his supply in the Coke machine facing the customers, at the end of his glass display case. When I recently mentioned this to a friend, she claimed she'd never heard of the practice and had never had a problem with her "super glue." I've had it turn syrupy after a long time in the 'fridge, but owing to its absorption of water vapor--also mentioned in MR several times ("Blowing on it helps speed up the setting time") I avoid trying to use it on painted surfaces, just as I don't try to attach styrene parts to painted styrene. Deano
I've been keeping CA, sealed in small jars, in the refrigerator since I first started using it. Those of us of a ceertain age remember when MR first reported on "Alpha Cyanoacryate Cement," manufatured by a Japanese firm (Aron Alpha brand) and Eastman Kodak (Eastman 910) and if I remember correctly, MR recommended adding to its shelf life by refrigerating it. I DO remember our favorite hobby dealer, Gene Viesflog of the Hobby Hut, kept his supply in the Coke machine facing the customers, at the end of his glass display case. When I recently mentioned this to a friend, she claimed she'd never heard of the practice and had never had a problem with her "super glue."
I've had it turn syrupy after a long time in the 'fridge, but owing to its absorption of water vapor--also mentioned in MR several times ("Blowing on it helps speed up the setting time") I avoid trying to use it on painted surfaces, just as I don't try to attach styrene parts to painted styrene.
Deano
RR_Mel Got this with a Google search “Shelf Life Cyanoacrylate” Cyanoacrylate adhesives have a short shelf life if not used, about one year from manufacture if unopened, and one month once opened. I have found that the above info is correct. I have been using the Harbor Freight 10 pack of .1 oz tubes. As the tube ages and doesn’t do it’s thing like it should it’s time for a new tube. I get close to a year out of a 10 pack. Every three to four weeks I get a new non gummed up nozzle with full strength. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
zstripe Ed, I have been using Loctite GO2 Gel a lot lately, especially in situations like Yours. Takes a little longer to cure, but withstands any sudden hit without breaking loose, very strong, but yet, still flexible when cured. It is NOT a CA. Goes on clear, drys clear.
Ed,
I have been using Loctite GO2 Gel a lot lately, especially in situations like Yours. Takes a little longer to cure, but withstands any sudden hit without breaking loose, very strong, but yet, still flexible when cured. It is NOT a CA. Goes on clear, drys clear.
Thanks, Frank. I may have picked up that hint from you a couple weeks ago. I did get a couple tubes of it. I agree with you, it is handy for sticking window glass, headlights and little people, among other chores.
I'll bet I have three-dozen or more types and brands of cements and adhesives around. Every one has slightly different characteristics.
Remember when this is all we had to work with?
Dope_60s by Edmund, on Flickr
I just ordered some of this stuff. E-6000 It is supposed to act like Walther's Goo, which is pretty close to the old GoodYear Plio-Bond, but this is also clear.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JP3X9WE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I got the four-pack for $16. We shall see Who knows, maybe it is the same as the GO-2?
Regards, Ed
I have been using Loctite GO2 Gel a lot lately, especially in situations like Yours. Takes a little longer to cure, but withstands any sudden hit without breaking loose, very strong, but yet, still flexible when cured. It is NOT a CA. Goes on clear, drys clear. I have also used it on Acetal plastic's with great results, like Delrin. It's a new product...hasn't been out too long:
https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Clear-Adhesive-60-Fluid-1832982/dp/B00PDAMZ3C/ref=asc_df_B00PDAMZ3C/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198135314122&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2945233160848306782&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021722&hvtargid=pla-373758791687&psc=1
Take Care!
Frank
zstripeI do stay away from using any Accelerator though....
I found out the hard way that accelerator also fogs clear styrene. Well, the vapor from CA will also.
I was gluing an engineer into the seat of a locomotive and the glue simply would not cure. I gave it a quick spritz of accelerator and the window glass fogged up instantly.
If I have to I'll give a huff and exhale some moist air onto the joint. I can peel wallpaper by breathing on it, too!
Cheers, Ed
gmpullmanI haven't noticed any real advantage over one brand or another. Good luck, Ed
I do stay away from using any Accelerator though....it weakens the bond in some applications. It states so in the directions for use.
cedarwoodron I used the medium setting Loctite brand (little blue bottle ) to apply some with a toothpick sparingly in order to attach a small piece of styrene.onto a painted engine shell.
I'm curious, did the paint pull off the boiler shell along with the glue bond? I've had that happen. Couldn't really blame the glue when the paint bond is what actually broke free.
I've had my share of likes/dislikes with many of the so called cyanoacrylates. Usually I have good results but there are those times where the stuff simply won't cooperate.
I haven't noticed any real advantage over one brand or another.
Good luck, Ed
cedarwoodron I used the medium setting Loctite brand (little blue bottle ) to apply some with a toothpick sparingly in order to attach a small piece of styrene.onto a painted engine shell. After letting it set overnight I was suprised that I could remove the styrene piece with minimal effort. Is superglue only "super" sometimes? Cedarwoodron
I used the medium setting Loctite brand (little blue bottle ) to apply some with a toothpick sparingly in order to attach a small piece of styrene.onto a painted engine shell. After letting it set overnight I was suprised that I could remove the styrene piece with minimal effort. Is superglue only "super" sometimes?
Cedarwoodron
Ron,
Like some adhesives, CA does have a shelf life. How old is the bottle/applicator? I know it's time for some new medium CA when it starts setting up (thickening) in the bottle.
If it's styrene-to-styrene bond, better to use a liquid adhesive like Testors or Plastruct. They contain MEK, which melts the surfaces so that they "meld" to together; a much better bond. CA also does not have good shear (side-to-side) strength.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I've seen "tips" to store ACC with a dessicant. I don't and have not experienced a slow set up time. However expired silicon caulk never sets up.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
In my experiance, I found that some super glues have problems with certain plastics.
.
I only use LocTite Liquid Super Glue and LocTite Gel Control. I have not had any problems.
Super-Glue (ACC, CA) seems to take longer to set then when I was a kid. The original Krazy-Glue seemed to set almost instantly. Now you need to spray an accellerator to get the instant effect.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I remember the old tv ads for early superglue where the football player's helmet was glued to a goal post and he hung onto his helmet dangling with his feet. It may have been advertising hyperbole but as a modeler I find that superglue seems not always super! I used the medium setting Loctite brand (little blue bottle ) to apply some with a toothpick sparingly in order to attach a small piece of styrene.onto a painted engine shell. After letting it set overnight I was suprised that I could remove the styrene piece with minimal effort. Is superglue only "super" sometimes? I'm not looking for a Materials Science answer but some understandable explanation.