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10th Feb 2021, 7:21 pm | #1 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,833
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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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10th Feb 2021, 7:31 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 14,007
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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! |
10th Feb 2021, 8:03 pm | #3 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,833
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Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle
Quote:
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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10th Feb 2021, 8:11 pm | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK.
Posts: 3,766
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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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10th Feb 2021, 8:14 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,833
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Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle
Yes I have some activator spray. Cheers.
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11th Feb 2021, 1:26 am | #6 |
Pentode
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Poole, Dorset, UK.
Posts: 130
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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 John |
11th Feb 2021, 10:31 am | #7 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 3,988
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Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle
Quote:
John.
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11th Feb 2021, 10:32 am | #8 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK.
Posts: 3,766
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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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11th Feb 2021, 12:14 pm | #9 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,833
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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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11th Feb 2021, 3:13 pm | #10 | |
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Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle
Quote:
For PVC plumbers solvent weld pipe glue works well and is flexible unlike cyanoacrylate. |
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11th Feb 2021, 6:09 pm | #11 | ||
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,833
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Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle
Quote:
https://www.loctiteproducts.com/en/p...eadhesive.html
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14th Feb 2021, 6:46 pm | #12 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,833
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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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A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever.. |
14th Feb 2021, 8:42 pm | #13 |
Pentode
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK.
Posts: 138
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Re: Fixing a broken plastic handle
Use loctite.
Prior to gluing, rough up using a little soft glasspaper.
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