What's the Best Glue for HDPE?
Asked by KayakNinja57
I'm trying to attach a Kevlar keel guard to the bottom of my kayak. It needs to be waterproof since it'll be submerged. I've heard that HDPE is hard to bond with, and I'm considering 3M 5200. Will it work? I've also seen mentions of Permabond TA4631, 3M VHB, and JB Weld plastic. Which one of these is the best option, or is there something else that works better?
Answers
I've worked with clear core VHB before, and while it can be tricky to handle, I think it’s worth it because it’s not porous like the black and grey versions. I’d go with that if you can manage it!
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To get a strong bond, consider sanding the HDPE surface, using a solvent wipe, and then passing a flame over it before applying glue. I've had success with 3M Scotch-Weld DP-8005, and others recommend Chem-Set 6105 or Lord 7542-AB for materials like Starboard. Just be sure to prepare the surface well!
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Definitely sand it and clean it up before gluing. I've had good experiences using 5200 in the past! It holds pretty well if you prep right.
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I previously used marine epoxy for attaching my skeg plate, but I’ve noticed some degradation over time. If you're looking for a durable bond, plastic welding might be the way to go. I used a cheap kit from Harbor Freight to fix a hole and it worked perfectly!
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WaterSavvy123: What about 3M 5200? Is it any good for this?