Help with Superglue

[Coyote]

I hate superglue. Absolutely hate it. Most likely because I don\'t use it much and really don\'t know how to use it.

Problem 1: My tip always gunks up. I mean, it gets to a point where I push a pin through it, pull the pin out and it brings superglue up in a thin layer to re-clog to tip!

Well, actually, I guess that\'s the only problem I have with it. Anyway, help wanted.

What\'s the best/favorite brands, and how do I keep my tip clean?

Coyote

 

[Errex]

You can\'t.

Might as well snip the tip off. I usually go for the superglue that comes with an additional tip, kinda like a short plastic elongated cone section that goes over the tip of the container.

 

[Jana Wang]

All of them gunk up. Some brands do it faster based on cap design, sometimes it happens because of your gluing technique.

When you glue, use a single drop and if it drips wipe it off immediately. Drips down the side prevent the cap from going on tight, which leads to the tip being exposed where it could dry out.

I clean off the tip of my bottle with my hobby knife once in a while to prevent accumulation that builds up. Once the cap gets gunked up so it wont fit tight the life of the remaining glue is severely limited.

My husband likes to buy the 3-pack of Elmer\'s in the little tubes. They don\'t last long once opened, but he figures if it\'s going to dry up anyway why buy a bigger bottle.

I like the vanilla scented Crazy Glue brand with the \"skin guard\". It is honestly the first brand I haven\'t glued myself to the mini with. It sets up within 20 seconds, which is about as long as I want to hold something that small completely immobile. The bottle I use has a tall red cap that snaps down and twists to lock securely.


I won\'t even borrow GW\'s glue if I forget mine. It doesn\'t work well, it takes far too long to set up, and I am always gluing my fingers to each other when I try it. Many of my friends dislike it for the same reasons.

A tip when working with glue: if it doesn\'t set the first time, wipe off the area and let it dry, then scrape off the old glue before trying again. Something about glue that didn\'t set seems to prevent it from taking a second application.

 

[Boss_Hoss]

I try to use gel superglues (especially ones that say for metal or dirty surfaces) since they can be cleaned off the tip in a reasonable time before setting. They also seem to hold better than most liquid superglues I\'ve used. Even if I\'m careless, it takes about 1/2 of the tube before it crusts up. Take care at this point because if you dont keep the crusting scraped out, the foil of the tube has weakened at the creases to be the point of least resistance when you squeeze glue out and spooge on your fingertips through new holes in the sides.
If all else fails, take the tip off and apply it from the tube (suprisingly easy since it\'s gel).
hope this helps.

 

[Bent Brush]

I have turned to using modeling tubing when using my super glue. This stuff is simple you cut off a small section and slip it in to the top of your bottle.

Use a push pin to keep it closed, whe you need the glue just remove the pin, if the tip should clogg then simple cut under the clog. this flexable tube also is very helpful because it allows less glue to come rushing out at one time.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Help with super(!)glue

Over her in the UK I am able to get a bottle of \'Loctite\' with a brush applicator.
I find that this works best as you apply it in as thin a coat, as you would the paint.
For some reason thinner layers of \'super\'glue seem to set up better and stronger.
Still, pin the big bits for strength.

Happy Modelling

 

[comicbkguy]

I use Flash from NHP. It comes in plastic bottles so you don\'t have to worry about a foil tube breaking. There are also three different levels of thickness, so you can control the flow of the glue as needed. Each bottle has a long tube at the top and I use plastic glue tip extensions you can find at almost any hobby shop. That way if the bottle clogs you can cut the tube below the clog and still get fine detail through the disposable tip. The only drawback is that I have to change the tips every few days. Not really a big deal though as they are fairly cheap.

Also I cannot stress the importance of a CA accelerant enough if you are going to use superglue. I use Flashtac, but there are many brands. Zip Kicker is good also. Just be careful if you use it on plastic. It softens it just a bit and you can leave slight fingerprints if you handle it before dabbing away any excess accelerant. And most definitely never spray accelerant near your fingers if there is any chance you have glue on them. The catalyzing glue will burn like you wouldn\'t believe.

Hope this helps.

 

[Thousand_Sun]

I stick my superglue in the refrigerator when not in use.

It keeps the tip from getting gunked up.

 

[Ithilmere]

superglue gel

I use superglue gel (I think it\'s made by loctite) - it doesn\'t drip or spread to areas where it\'s not wanted, and they also come with little pins in the lid that keep the bottles unblocked.

 

[vincegamer]

superglue bottle

I use superglue and have no problems. I don\'t buy the foil tubes. My superglue came in a plastic bottle with a threaded, twist-on lid. I have had the same bottle for about a year now (I don\'t do much converting) and it still flows fine. I have never had to snip or pin the top. I store it on its side but I don\'t know if that makes a difference. It has spent two weeks in a moving truck traveling around the country under who-knows-what conditions and is still okay.
I think it bonds to the metal in the tubes but doesn\'t bond to the plastic. The difference is you can\'t squeeze the bottle, you just hold it tip down until the glue drops out. Since I only use tiny amounts, that\'s fine. I think the tubes are really designed for people who use most or all of the tube at one time.

 

[Errex]

In my experience...

I have, now, used both types, gel and liquid. Gel is not really instant (or at least, doesn\'t glue as fast as the liquid one).

It is certainly easier to handle and to clean, but if I\'m going to spend time holding two pieces toghether until it sets, I\'d rather use two part epoxic resin instead. It gives a stronger bond, fills gaps better, you can reset/adjust the pieces as it solidifies without losing bond integrity and, Did I mention it forms a stronger bond?.

 

[kahoolin]

yay to the epoxy.....so much easier to use, and doesnt stink like nice superglue fumes.
You can get the strongest hold with epoxy resin and most bond within 5 or so minutes