Bonding metal with epoxy, JB Weld and other adhesives

1. 1. JB Weld or Araldite: choosing a two-part epoxy (UK) visited done

   JB Weld vs. Araldite

   Does JB Weld's metal filler make it stronger than Araldite? Replies differ. One says it comes down to purpose: JB Weld for making and repairing parts and for heat, Araldite for soaking into wood. Another says the filler makes it harder and machinable; a third doubts it adds strength. One rates shop Araldite below fresh "proper" epoxies; another recalls data sheets showing heat raised its strength.

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2. 2. Gluing a thin mirror film to sheet metal visited done

   Adhesive Recommendation; Metal to Mylar?

   For aquarium light reflectors, the poster needs a water-resistant adhesive for mirrored Mylar on bent sheet metal. Suggestions include 3M 77 spray adhesive, which one user says is waterproof, double-sided tape and self-adhesive metallised vinyl. One reply warns that chlorinated solvents attack Mylar, and others ask whether glossy white paint would do the job instead.

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3. 3. Sealing a bolted joint between dissimilar metals in seawater visited done

   Does any adhesive/sealant stick to titanium?

   A nickel sheet bolted to titanium must be kept from seawater, using only supermarket-grade preparation. Replies disagree on silicone: one suggests it, others expect poor adhesion or note that some types give off acetic acid. Alternatives include a polyurethane primer-and-sealant method, Lexel, 3M 5200 used as a gasket and Sikaflex marine sealants; several replies stress surface preparation.

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4. 4. When glue is not enough: a cracked steel chair plate visited done

   Using JB Weld on a chair?

   A cracked 1/8-inch steel plate under an office chair prompts the question of whether JB Weld will hold. Most replies say it will not, comparing the adhesive's quoted strength of about 4,000 psi with roughly 50,000 psi for mild steel, and recommend welding or a replacement plate. One suggests gluing on a second plate but would rather use bolts.

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5. 5. Threadlocker on stainless steel that will not hold visited done

   Anything Stronger Than Loctite 271 Threadlocker?

   Loctite 271 is not holding threaded 316 stainless rods. Replies say stainless bonds poorly with anaerobic threadlockers and needs a primer or activator, pointing to the maker's data and stronger grades. Others say clean stainless threads gall tight enough without any, and one reply describes switching to left-hand threads instead.

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6. 6. Threadlocked screws that keep working loose visited done

   Bolts and vibes and red loctite

   Screws holding a chainsaw's carburetor angle plate keep loosening, with or without red Loctite. Replies blame heat, vibration and screws in aluminium, and suggest a higher-temperature threadlocker with thread inserts, checking threads are free of oil, safety wire, locking tabs or special washers.

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7. 7. Removing screws set with threadlocker (UK) visited done

   Removing Loctite fixed screws

   Stainless socket screws are threadlocked into anodised 7000-series aluminium. Replies say cured threadlocker will not dissolve and heat is the way, but suggest different amounts: one says permanent grades need about 450F, possibly too hot for the alloy, while another relays advice that a hair drier or even boiling water weakens it. A good, well-fitting hex key matters too.

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