Plastic welding

Murmansk

I've got a plastic food waste bind issued by the Council and the lid is cracked. I've just managed to mend it, using a soldering iron I'd forgotten I had, by making dozens of tiny "welds" across the crack on both sides and it looks like it might be OK but it made me wonder about plastic welding tools specifically for this kind of purpose.

I wondered if anyone had any experience or recommendations as there seem to be plenty out there but it seems to me it's the kind of thing that might not be the safest if you get some cheap model from China that's the equivalent of those phone chargers that tend to set houses on fire!

FreeBear

My plastic bin developed a huge crack. I just rang them up and had a replacement delivered free of charge. Pretty sure they'd do the same with a smaller food waste bin.

stuart45

You can order them online. I ordered a couple of recycling boxes today.

Section62

Murmansk said:

I wondered if anyone had any experience or recommendations as there seem to be plenty out there but it seems to me it's the kind of thing that might not be the safest if you get some cheap model from China that's the equivalent of those phone chargers that tend to set houses on fire!

A job I'd probably do outside in any event (with a safe electric supply) to make sure there is plenty of ventilation and just in case something bursts into flames.

Never used a plastic welder myself, but those I know who have say the issues are around correctly identifying the type of plastic, then making sure you use the right type of filler rod.

Unless it was something expensive to replace or irreplaceable I'm not sure I'd bother with welding. If looks don't matter a fibreglass repair kit would probably do the job better... so long as the resin and hardner don't melt the plastic.

chrisw

In a similar vein, I've placed stainless steel staples across the split and then heated them with a soldering iron so they sink in and bridge the gap. They're actually really strong and effective. 

They do make the heated guns and staples for the same purpose which are £10 or less and might be worth having in for such jobs.

flaneurs_lobster

FreeBear said:

My plastic bin developed a huge crack. I just rang them up and had a replacement delivered free of charge. Pretty sure they'd do the same with a smaller food waste bin.

If it's just the lid, these can be replaced alone (at least ours can). Fixed another with the wonder that is Gaffer Tape.

Albermarle

FreeBear said:

My plastic bin developed a huge crack. I just rang them up and had a replacement delivered free of charge. Pretty sure they'd do the same with a smaller food waste bin.

In our area, you can just go to the local library and ask for a new one.

Murmansk

They do make the heated guns and staples for the same purpose which are £10 or less and might be worth having in for such jobs.

Indeed but my original question was implying that a lot of these cheap items on Amazon etc might not last long and/or be a fire hazard.

I know I can order a new one but I am always inclined towards mending things where possible, partly because I like doing it and partly because it's "greener"

Albermarle

Murmansk said:

They do make the heated guns and staples for the same purpose which are £10 or less and might be worth having in for such jobs.

Indeed but my original question was implying that a lot of these cheap items on Amazon etc might not last long and/or be a fire hazard.

I know I can order a new one but I am always inclined towards mending things where possible, partly because I like doing it and partly because it's "greener"

Not sure that melting plastic and the fumes given off, is very green.

Probably better to get a new one and use the old one for something else, in the garden maybe. 

pioneer

Maybe give this a try !