Applying sikaflex/equivilent.

[twinturbo]

Any tips on applying the bonding compound?

Did one trans panel today and the stuff was a real pain to get out the caulking tube. Had to use two hands and lots of pressure..

TT

[Bonzo]

Hi Rob

It is not normally too difficult to squeeze out of the tube,

Can be a bit of a task if you cut too small a bead on the nozzle or have not pierced the top large enough ;)

The usual cosistency is not a lot thicker than silicone sealant, may be well worth checking that you have not got a small blockage somewhere ?

There could be an outside chance that you have been sold some really old stock, it will start to set in a sealed tube over a long period of time :eek:

I hope you get it sorted mate .... Nice to see you making progress :)

[twinturbo]

hmm, must be as it was cheep off ebay and not the real stuff.

TT

[adrianreeve]

Had exactly the same problem, bought some tigerseal from the local motor factors, and it was tone better!

Cheers

Adrian

[flyerncle]

Sounds likely as I use this stuff daily and have no problem,in the depths of winter maybe as it is usually 2 to 3 degrees colder inside than outside.
Tigerseal is the cheaper alternative to Sikaflex and a thin bead will do the trick,clutch and brake cleaner will remove it from your hands etc.

[AshG]

put it in the oven for 5 mins at 200deg that will make it come out nicely. well it worked for me.

[twinturbo]

Cheers Ash, I will give that a go.

I have also purchased an air caulker.

I had to keep reminding the lad to keep clear of the stick gunk. I think the panel is on for good :)

TT

[locostkiwi]

when ever i use a sealer i always let the unopen tube sit in a bucket of hot water, it makes the sealer come out so much easier.
;)

[james3004]

Back when I used to build ambulances we used alot of sikaflex, and it was a right b*****d to get out of the tubes, the amount of mastic guns we broke was amazing

[twinturbo]

got the air powered one today :)

will see ho that goes.

TT

[Davey]

I tried both air powered and battery powered goo guns but neither were any use with Sikaflex, its just too thick! Nothing like strong wrists for Sikaflex I found:eek: . Couple of years ago we (son and daughter helped out) reskinned the entire coachbuilt body of our then motorhome and glued the new ali skin on with about a dozen tubes of Sika 221, Christ on a bike that made our wrists hurt!:eek: !

D.