From: Jack Mindy (jackmndy_at_frontiernet.net)
Date: Wed Sep 05 2001 - 15:03:54 EDT
A few suggestions for those who've had their case crack. Not being in this
situation myself, I don't know exactly what manner of crack it is. Many
plastics bend a bit first (stretch), before breaking. In that case, the
parts don't mate very well afterward -- there's a bit of a curve to the
mating surfaces; not a clean break. The end result is that you now have a
piece of plastic that is bigger (longer) than it was originally. Thus
filling in a crack that only goes part-way is going to put stress on the
remainder of that piece along the same "fault-line".
A two-part epoxy fills in the gap once either or both pieces has been
distorted. If you do decide to fill in a gap, "JB Weld", a two-part
epoxy-type product is unbelievable stuff. Color is medium gray when dry.
Any hardware store has it. It has yet to fail me.
As someone has already suggested, the glue used by plumbers to connect PVC,
CPVC and ABS pipe might be a more desireable remedy, if only because it
doesn't leave an obvious lump of a different color. This type of glue
causes the plastic surfaces to swell and weld together. But be aware that
this stuff gives you about five seconds position the pieces before
everything is solidifed. The fumes are pretty awful. The can it comes in
has a dauber built into the cap, but you'll probably want to use something
(non-plastic) smaller. It's rather thick, goopy stuff.
Allow me to suggest another possibility that may or may not work. Many of
us have learned from experience that "superglue" usually doesn't work on
plastics. However, liguid styrene glue works very well on many plastics by
melting and welding the surfaces, much like the plumber's glue. This stuff,
a thin, clear liquid, comes in a 1 or 2 oz. bottle with a small brush in
the cap. It's usually found only at serious model railroad shoppes (not toy
stores). It might be good if someone tried styrene glue first, since it's
the least "invasive". To test, just dab a drop on an unobtrusive spot and
touch it with your finger. If you leave your fingerprint in the plastic, it
might do the job.
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