Any glue that can form a Instant bond in 0F temps?

Elixer

Lifer
May 7, 2002
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I need to bond metal to metal, and all the glues I have tried have failed, so, does anyone know of any glue that can have a instant bond on metal to metal in very cold temps?
It is up about 10' high as well. That is why I need to form a instant bond, I can't be up there for long.

Tried superglue, polyurethane glue, and those have failed.
No, I can't weld it, nor can I use duct tape or something else that covers up the metal letters.
 

Mayne

Diamond Member
Apr 13, 2014
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i'm only familiar with epoxy glues for concrete work and bolts.
 

Fardringle

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2000
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Loctite Metal/Concrete Epoxy says that it will set in five minutes in a temperature range of -10F to +120F. Not instant, but at least it's not 30+ minutes..
 

deadlyapp

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2004
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Have you used an epoxy glue like JB weld? They have one that has a one minute set time which seems reasonable.
 

Imp

Lifer
Feb 8, 2000
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No clue but wonder if something that's UV cured would work.
 

TonyG

Platinum Member
Feb 12, 2000
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How about hot glue?
You could also try using two separate glues, maybe super glue with a spray of insta-set to have an immediate bond around the edges to hold the part in place while a stronger glue/epoxy sets up.
 

Humpy

Diamond Member
Mar 3, 2011
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Contact adhesive is instant. So is VHB double sided tape. So is a screw. Maybe just use a sharpie?
 

Elixer

Lifer
May 7, 2002
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Have you used an epoxy glue like JB weld? They have one that has a one minute set time which seems reasonable.
Forgot to mention, I did try this exact glue, and, no dice. The temps are too cold, so it can't get a good exothermic reaction to cure in a reasonable time it seems.

you say you cant weld it, but how about soldering it?
Not really practical, I would need more arms.
Screws and other fasteners are in the same boat, no good access angle.

Contact adhesive is instant. So is VHB double sided tape. So is a screw. Maybe just use a sharpie?
VHB tape needs 20C-40C for best results.
Using a sharpie to draw it on? LOL. I would never hear the end of it.
 

john3850

Golden Member
Oct 19, 2002
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Somehow you need to warm the metal before and during the drying time.
Example a torch,hair dryer,electric water pipe warmer etc.
 

Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
Moderator
Dec 11, 1999
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Water?
iu


Or have I been watching too much MacGyver?
 

Elixer

Lifer
May 7, 2002
10,371
762
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what exactly do you need to glue

can you get a clamp on it? like a quick release one?
Basically, it is a snowmobile shaped sign, no way to clamp it, it is powered by solar panels, so no access to electricity (too far out from the nearest place that has power), and the metal letters/numbers need to be specific, since there are other paths with almost the same letter/number, and people would be confused.
It is hard enough towing a ladder to the location as well.
Idiots keep knocking off the temp sign I left up as well. :(

Dunno if it will work, but, a guy at the store suggested to use those hand warmer packs on the metal, and they try the epoxy.
I don't really want to use heat via welders/torches, since it is difficult to get to the correct angle, and also it would be possible to scorch it, and that would be bad.
 

mxnerd

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2007
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Loctite PL Fast Grab Premium Construction Adhesive, but might need some sort of clamping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQx9SRDAESo

===
Too bad, just found that

Application Temperature: The adhesive should be above 41°F (5°C) and below 95°F (35°C) for application

=====
Maybe

Loctite Power Grab Ultimate

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/tds/PG_CA_ULT_tds.pdf

Substrates must be between 0°F and 100°F (-18°C and 38°C) adhesive must be between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCxxzmE4u0c

====

Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6LhpALvG2A
 
Last edited:

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
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Putting something made of metal 10 feet high, using adhesive.... sounds dangerous to me. Can't you use screws or something? What exactly are you trying to do?

Maybe really strong neodynium magnets could work as a temporary fix if it's something you'll be able to fix better in summer.
 

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
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Loctite has pretty much been an industry standard for adhesives, in military and space applications.

It's a matter of picking the right one I suppose, have been many listed.
 

mxnerd

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2007
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If OP can, sandwich a wooden board between the metal surfaces and use construction adhesive on both sides might have a better chance of success.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
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www.anyf.ca
Sand with coarse sand paper first too for better adhesion.

I would still look at using some kind of fastner though. Just think of what happens when there are very strong wind bursts.
 

Rubycon

Madame President
Aug 10, 2005
17,768
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Is the metal magnetic?
CA (superglues) can be "kicked" to make them cure instantly even with very liberal amounts applied. I've never tried this in subfreezing temperatures.
Epoxies are absolutely temperature dependent so using them would be about as effective as using a standard lightstick in the same conditions! There are ways to increase the reaction and exothermic output of epoxy curing but the strength is degraded. This is why 5 minute epoxy is considerably weaker than 12 hour epoxy. (times are work times). There are putties that have sufficient viscous characteristics that may hold the parts together long enough without excessive elongation. But if this isn't practical you're going to need an apparatus to maintain the position until curing has commenced with sufficient strength which at low temperatures could be many hours.

Do you have a diagram with dimensions? There's a plethora of ideas to hold the pieces in place while curing or (if allowable) using these methods (malleable alloy crimping, for example) as the permanent solution.
 
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