Repairing broken computer pieces (plastic, etc.)

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Dewbie

Repairing broken computer pieces (plastic, etc.)

#1 Post by Dewbie »

While replacing a bad processor fan, I broke the plastic fan housing into several pieces, as it was quite brittle from age.

I had previously purchased a bottle of Plastic Weld for another project, so I gave it a try, and it worked (wonderfully!): http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/CementGuide.html
It also works well on broken CD cases, if you don't mind the compromised appearance.
(In the States, Plastic Weld is about $4 to $5 at hobby shops.)

However, it won't work with engineered plastics (nylon, etc.) commonly found in printer gears.

But here's another approach: If the printer gear, for example, has an internally splined collar (with stripped-out splines), you can sometimes--if space permits--drill two holes through the wall of the collar, directly in line with (i.e., across from) each other.

Then put the gear on its shaft, and mark and drill a corresponding hole through the shaft, so that it lines up with the holes that were drilled through the gear.

Then use a fastener (such as a pin or screw) to pin the gear to the shaft.
Last edited by Dewbie on Fri 09 Sep 2011, 22:26, edited 2 times in total.

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RetroTechGuy
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Joined: Tue 15 Dec 2009, 17:20
Location: USA

Re: How to repair broken plastic on your computer / printer

#2 Post by RetroTechGuy »

Dewbie wrote:While replacing a bad processor fan, I broke the plastic fan housing into several pieces, as it was quite brittle from age.

I had previously purchased a bottle of Plastic Weld for another project, so I gave it a try, and it worked (wonderfully!): http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/CementGuide.html
(In the States, it's about $4 to $5 at hobby shops.)

However, it won't work with engineered plastics such as printer gears.

But here's another approach: If the printer gear, for example, has an internally splined collar (with stripped-out splines), you can sometimes--if space permits--drill two holes through the wall of the collar, directly in line with (i.e., across from) each other.

Then put the gear on its shaft, and mark and drill a corresponding hole through the shaft, so that it lines up with the holes that were drilled through the gear.

Then use a fastener (such as a pin or screw) to pin the gear to the shaft.
Another product line is from JB.

The standard JB weld will produce a hard, workable surface on many items. And if you need something more putty-like, try the Water Weld:

http://jbweld.net/products/water.php

This turns into a hard, rock-like plastic. Still machinable, but much more brittle than most epoxies.

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lwill
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#3 Post by lwill »

Gears are often some form of nylon which does not glue well at all.
Instead of attaching it directly to the shaft, in the past I have successfully drilled holes though the pieces and "stitched" or "laced" them together with fine wire or "zip" ties. Then if needed, apply epoxy or JB Weld over the whole area to act as a stiffening "splint" while the wire fastens the parts together. (it holds to and around the wire / ties)

Pretty off topic for a linux forum, but just another reason to love Puppy!

Dewbie

#4 Post by Dewbie »

Pretty off topic for a linux forum, but just another reason to love Puppy!
I was trying to decide whether to post this topic--whether it's really relevant--before realizing that the very essence of Puppy is to keep the old stuff going. So why not?

pishta
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun 27 Jun 2010, 04:32

acetone

#5 Post by pishta »

If you have a spare part that is broken also, ie. a plastic CPU retainer) you can cut it up in small pieces, as small as you can or even shavings, and put it into a small container of acetone. The acetone will melt the plastic into a goo and you can then adjust with acetone to a toothpaste like consistency. You can then mold or patch with this and itll dry to the same starting media. Works great with ABS car grills and many other plastics (be careful with acetone as even the vapors will cloud clear plastic in concentration)

infromthepound
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Joined: Sat 13 Jun 2009, 01:29

#6 Post by infromthepound »

I've pulled fans out of old AT power supplys and used them as case fans.
JB

Frank Cox
Posts: 378
Joined: Sun 01 Nov 2009, 06:05

Thread and Epoxy

#7 Post by Frank Cox »

An old trick from building and repairing fishing rods is to use thread embedded with epoxy, Cotton coated nylon sewing thread works well as does the braided nylon offshore fishing line. Actually any braided nylon line will work. For big items mason's line is the way to go.
I have used it to repair all sorts of things. The last one was a Thermax Vacuum cleaner top that was broken nearly in half and the center cylinder that accepts the hose was in four separate pieces. It is now much stronger than it ever was and I saved 50 bucks on a new one!
Also used it to repair a refrigerator that the plastic retainer for the door shelf had broken in half.

The most amazing repair I made was an antique cast iron fishing reel that the housing that connects reel to rod had broken in half , that was 30 years ago and it still works!

Don't recall ever using it on a computer but if you can rap thread around it this method will make it incredible strong, When I repaired a lot of rods I made a jig that spun the rods and pulled the string through the epoxy but simply rapping the thread tight and then using a disposable plastic knife or plastic putty knife will do the trick. Just mix the epoxy and work it into the fibers.

It also works on wood. If you use push brooms that snap in two under heavy use rap them in mason's line and epoxy and they will never break again, Actually Elmer's wood glue would probably work.

kevin bowers
Posts: 147
Joined: Sun 20 Dec 2009, 20:41

Gorilla glue

#8 Post by kevin bowers »

Try the new polyurethane glues, Gorilla glue is the biggest name. Just remember: READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! The first bottle I ever bought started by telling you to put on your old painter's clothes. The big thing to remember: dampen one surface, the hardening reaction is catalysed by water. The next is to clamp the two pieces overnight. After that you're done!

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