Mending cracked 'plastic' lawnmower casing

garethgas

Alias_Omega wrote: »

I've used Araldite Rapid to repair aircraft cockpit switches in the past.

Not quite the same stress though is it
Why not try a fibreglass repair kit?
'Plastic padding' make a kit with matting, resin and hardner all in. Also David's Isopn does the same kit.
You'll need to make the repair on the underside of the deck and it will need to be scrupulously clean by using a chemical solvent or a grinder.
Lots of layers is the secret, the more layers the stronger the repair will be.
Remember, scrupulously clean or it won't stick.
Take a trip to Halfords and see what's available.

Clairabella

garethgas wrote: »

Not quite the same stress though is it
Why not try a fibreglass repair kit?
'Plastic padding' make a kit with matting, resin and hardner all in. Also David's Isopn does the same kit.
You'll need to make the repair on the underside of the deck and it will need to be scrupulously clean by using a chemical solvent or a grinder.
Lots of layers is the secret, the more layers the stronger the repair will be.
Remember, scrupulously clean or it won't stick.
Take a trip to Halfords and see what's available.

Thanks. I had wondered about fibreglass but wasn't sure if it would stick to the plastic casing. Is there a reason why you say to do it underneath, I don't think that would be possible but if it can go on top we are not worried about the apearance.

Myser

Are you able to post a photo of the broken casing - it might easier to visualise and suggest repair options?

Clairabella

Myser wrote: »

Are you able to post a photo of the broken casing - it might easier to visualise and suggest repair options?

It's not very easy to show in a photo but, it starts at the top and runs down the length of the casing. To the left that bracket and nut thingy is the end of the handle so as you push/pull it is being constantly strained. It couldn't have happened in a worse place, but, there again, that's probably why it did happen here.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/Peckedhen/Cracked%20casing/P1010519.jpg

closed

Ebe_Scrooge

garethgas wrote: »

Not quite the same stress though is it
Why not try a fibreglass repair kit?
'Plastic padding' make a kit with matting, resin and hardner all in. Also David's Isopn does the same kit.
You'll need to make the repair on the underside of the deck and it will need to be scrupulously clean by using a chemical solvent or a grinder.
Lots of layers is the secret, the more layers the stronger the repair will be.
Remember, scrupulously clean or it won't stick.
Take a trip to Halfords and see what's available.

Fibreglass is wonderful stuff ! My first car ( oh so many years ago ) ended up with more fibreglass than metal on it ! Do wear disposable plastic gloves, though, it is truly 'orrible stuff to work with. But Araldite is also a panacea for pretty much any heavy-duty repairs.

garethgas

Araldite is indeed wonderful stuff, I'd never be without it.
However, even araldite has its limitations.
Hard to tell from the picture but I suspect that crack is right where the handle is joined. Therefore a more substantial repair is needed due to the stress applied.
Looking at it, there's no reason you can't make that repair with fibre glass on the top side of the mower.
I'd remove the bolts and go for it...you've nothing to loose.
As previously mentioned, make yourself aware of the safety equipment required. If nothing else make sure you use a dust mask...it's ultimately fibres of glass.
If you go to you tube there are plenty of videos on there. They're a bit elaborate for a mower but the principle is the same.
Remember, you're not looking for a perfect finish, you're looking for strength as the repair is where the handle joinst the mower.
We will, of course be expecting some pictures of your work and will be marking it out of 10

Myser

As that is a major stress point where the handle joins, even an epoxy glue won't be able to withstand the force over time. You can try fibreglass however, it might be better if you can obtain the same mower for spares and use the casing - as mentioned above by greatgimpo.

Clairabella

garethgas wrote: »

Araldite is indeed wonderful stuff, I'd never be without it.
However, even araldite has its limitations.
Hard to tell from the picture but I suspect that crack is right where the handle is joined. Therefore a more substantial repair is needed due to the stress applied.
Looking at it, there's no reason you can't make that repair with fibre glass on the top side of the mower.
I'd remove the bolts and go for it...you've nothing to loose.
As previously mentioned, make yourself aware of the safety equipment required. If nothing else make sure you use a dust mask...it's ultimately fibres of glass.
If you go to you tube there are plenty of videos on there. They're a bit elaborate for a mower but the principle is the same.
Remember, you're not looking for a perfect finish, you're looking for strength as the repair is where the handle joinst the mower.
We will, of course be expecting some pictures of your work and will be marking it out of 10

Right, fibre glass seems to be the way to go given Araldite's limitations. Is there any reason why I shouldn't fibre glass over the bolts or, can you drill through fibre glass once it's set?

garethgas

Clairabella wrote: »

Right, fibre glass seems to be the way to go given Araldite's limitations. Is there any reason why I shouldn't fibre glass over the bolts or, can you drill through fibre glass once it's set?

Yes you can drill it and file it and sand it and even paint it if you like.
But remember that where it's broken is a highly stressed section of the mower and it's therefore important that you make a strong repair above all else.
Don't forget, if it falls apart after a few days, you can always have another, better go at it.
Another thing you could do is to use a few strap plates to hold it together then fibre glass over that.
I'm not recommending this site, but it shows you what a strap plate is

http://www.allenbrothers.co.uk/item.asp?prod_id=84&cat_id=5