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Old 10th Feb 2021, 7:21 pm   #1
stevehertz
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Default Fixing a broken plastic handle

The plastic handle in question is from a Pye M78F portable set. It is broken near one end - see photos. The break is clean and yet kind of jagged at the same time, perhaps offering a fair opportunity to re-join. The handle is made from flexible plastic. I have cleaned it using my ultrasonic cleaner and since rinsed it, so it is ready for the next step. I thought about using the ubiquitous superglue but wondered if a 'melt and weld' type glue may be better? I must point out, although my intention is to rejoin the handle as strongly as is possible, it is not my intention to actually use it to carry the set in case it breaks.
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Old 10th Feb 2021, 7:31 pm   #2
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

Superglue would be worth a try - roughen the edges of the break to ensure there's a 'key' for the glue to bite against.

However I think the break you have is due to the plastic having deplasticised and become brittle - so it's likely to crack again if flexed!
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Old 10th Feb 2021, 8:03 pm   #3
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

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Originally Posted by G6Tanuki View Post
Superglue would be worth a try - roughen the edges of the break to ensure there's a 'key' for the glue to bite against.

However I think the break you have is due to the plastic having deplasticised and become brittle - so it's likely to crack again if flexed!
Thanks. I want to wait until I think the best chance of re-gluing it is the method that I choose. If I 'give something a go', those neatly mating edges will be damaged if it comes apart and I have to try something else. At the moment they're jagged but they mate perfectly; ideal for re-gluing it would seem.

The plastic is definitely not brittle, it's somewhat supple and bends quite readily. So I'm a little perplexed as to how it may have actually broken. My own view is that it has been in storage for some time with either an object sitting on top of it, or maybe placed on its side or in a draw pressed hard up against something. The result being - especially if it got a sudden jolt whilst cold - is the break.
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Old 10th Feb 2021, 8:11 pm   #4
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

Super glue with activator should do the trick, as you will never be lifting it with the handle , purely cosmetic , Mick.
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Old 10th Feb 2021, 8:14 pm   #5
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

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Super glue with activator should do the trick, as you will never be lifting it with the handle , purely cosmetic , Mick.
Yes I have some activator spray. Cheers.
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Old 11th Feb 2021, 1:26 am   #6
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

Even if you don't lift it by the handle, somone else will. Least worst is to replace the plastic by a strip of leather...or black webbing.

Good luck
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Old 11th Feb 2021, 10:31 am   #7
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

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Even if you don't lift it by the handle, somone else will.

Good luck
John
Yes, so how about two lengths of maybe fishing line hidden under the handle at either side and secured at the anchor points. Strong enough to support the radio if the worst happens

John.
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Old 11th Feb 2021, 10:32 am   #8
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

I think Steve wants to keep it as original as possible, as it took some finding will it ever be for sale if it is I will be the first in the queue Mick.
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Old 11th Feb 2021, 12:14 pm   #9
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

Well, it will never be picked up by the handle in MY house. What someone else does with it when I'm D&G, or if I sell it, is up to them!

I think I'll try supergluing it, if that is unsatisfactory then John's suggestion to get a leather one made sounds a good idea.
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Old 11th Feb 2021, 3:13 pm   #10
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

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to get a leather one made
Why not make your own, I have used 0.1" perf board to guide the pilot holes for neat leather stitching, put at 45 degrees a larger stich can be got.

For PVC plumbers solvent weld pipe glue works well and is flexible unlike cyanoacrylate.
 
Old 11th Feb 2021, 6:09 pm   #11
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

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Quote:
to get a leather one made
Why not make your own, I have used 0.1" perf board to guide the pilot holes for neat leather stitching, put at 45 degrees a larger stich can be got.

For PVC plumbers solvent weld pipe glue works well and is flexible unlike cyanoacrylate.
Yes, I mentioned plastic welding glue at the beginning, I think it could be a good solution. I've just done some googling and came across this glue specifically for flexible plastics by Loctite:

https://www.loctiteproducts.com/en/p...eadhesive.html
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Old 14th Feb 2021, 6:46 pm   #12
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

I've repaired the handle with Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Glue Transparent Flexible Adhesive. It's gone back together beautifully, everything is nicely in line with very minimal overspill, and no offsets. Just for extra safety I will put a short strip of black Gorilla tape on the underside of the join.
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Old 14th Feb 2021, 8:42 pm   #13
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Default Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle

Use loctite.
Prior to gluing, rough up using a little soft glasspaper.
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