Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Tank top fix? super glue?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Purcellville, VA
    Posts
    1,784

    Tank top fix? super glue?

    The plastic top of my generic 2-reel stainless steel tank, in its old age, has split in one place along the outer vertical lip. (I place and remove tops with great care, having learned the hard way in my youth that the light baffle can get ripped out when one side comes up too fast.) No light leaking, yet; it just slightly separates when on the tank and leaks a few drops of chemistry.

    Tops used to be available separately, but a quick search didn't find any. I happen to have an unused spare, but it would be nice to repair, preferable to replace the split top, as I suspect this tear will not be the first, and the replacement is nearly as old.

    I have never had much luck with super glues, though this would seem to be an application that might work. Open for any ideas. Not especially desirous of buying a new tank and top, even though cost is relatively low.

    Thanks.
    Philip Ulanowsky

    Sine scientia ars nihil est. (Without science/knowledge, art is nothing.)
    www.imagesinsilver.art
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/156933346@N07/

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,856

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    Adorama has them on backorder, which was the situation the last two times I ordered one. It took a couple of months, but it eventually arrived.
    https://www.adorama.com/dktcp.html?g...BoCWvwQAvD_BwE

    Also, same situation, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...r_for_all.html
    Thanks, but I'd rather just watch:
    Large format: http://flickr.com/michaeldarnton
    Mostly 35mm: http://flickr.com/mdarnton
    You want digital, color, etc?: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stradofear

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Sheridan, Colorado
    Posts
    2,432

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    There are several glues that claim to work with/on plastic. The one's I've tried didn't do too well. The important thing to figure out is what type of "plastic" it is -- which you probably can't. If it happens to be a PVC or ABS type, there are good glues, but even they can fail under pressure. If you happen to have (or can get) them, you can try them.

    For me the #1 issue is -- is it leaking? You said "Yes". So light could get inside. You could try some BLACK silicone sealant to cover the crack, but it doesn't stick too well to plastic. Black Gorilla tape is another option. Just use it over a sink.

    The other option, which you know, is to turn off the lights -- or at least dim them.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    North Dakota
    Posts
    1,327

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    Have had good luck fixing Jobo tanks and water reservoirs using a product named PLUMBERS GOOP.
    It has fixed plastic cracks and leaks that have held for more than a decade after the repair. Might check it out and see if it will do the job.
    ” Never attribute to inspiration that which can be adequately explained by delusion”.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Minnesota and Massachusetts, USA
    Posts
    593

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    I've not had much success using superglue where there is much stress. I'd use an epoxy designed for plastics. I used "J-B Weld Plastic Bonder High-Strength Structural Adhesive" to attach a piece of car bumper trim and it's been holding for about 2 months now.

    But I don't think that will work long term as your lid probably split in a spot where it flexes. Lots of things will work well to plug or attach, but not where flex is required.

    I assume you saw from mdarton's links that you don't need to buy both a tank and lid, just the lid.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Purcellville, VA
    Posts
    1,784

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    Thanks to all. I'll follow the link to B&H, through this site's link of course -- I am happy to do anything I can do to return to favor for all I receive from here.
    Philip Ulanowsky

    Sine scientia ars nihil est. (Without science/knowledge, art is nothing.)
    www.imagesinsilver.art
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/156933346@N07/

  7. #7
    Paul Ron's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    692

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    ive tried repairing those ut no matter your best efforts, it will tear again. replace it with your spare and order 2 more.

  8. #8

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    Replace the cap. Nothing is going to work in a wet environment and being warped/bent to close/open... no adhesive will ever keep it together.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Sheridan, Colorado
    Posts
    2,432

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    Quote Originally Posted by consummate_fritterer View Post
    Nothing is going to work in a wet environment.
    I remember several situations where it worked out pretty darn well for me!

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    51

    Re: Tank top fix? super glue?

    Super glue outgasses, which may interfere with processing chemicals. I've managed to fix a few PVC / ABS plastic pieces by using a cheap soldering iron as a welding stick.

Similar Threads

  1. Super glue and baking soda trick
    By John Kasaian in forum LF DIY (Do It Yourself)
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 19-Oct-2017, 06:38
  2. Is there a suitable glue to fix a hard rubber tank?
    By 203Ektar in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 16-Dec-2012, 18:05

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •