Author Topic: welding a polymer frame (Read 880 times)

Iowegan · « **on:** June 01, 2004, 08:01:53 AM »

I have a pistol with a polymer frame. It has developed a crack at a stress point where the grip and body meet. Any ideas on what kind of adhesive I could use that would adhere to polymer?

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2004, 09:59:39 AM »

I would not advise you repairing this weapon yourself. Contact the manufacturer and speak with customer service. They should be happy you've given them the opportunity to catch their BAD.. If it's a S&W then good luck.. I would not trust any adhesive to work where the material itself has already failed.. Keep us informed as to how this works out. Also just curious, what type weapon are we speaking of..maker?

John Traveler · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2004, 10:07:02 AM »

I totally agree with gunut69. The gun should go back to the manufacturer.

All "polymer" gun frame materials that I am aware of fall into the category of thermosetting plastized resins. Many are also glass-fiber filled for strength and stability. Their design characteristics include chemical and solvent resistance and long-term stability. This would include resistance to any commercial available adhesives.

John

Iowegan · « **Reply #3 on:** June 01, 2004, 07:56:46 PM »

Thanks for the info. Been a gunsmith for over 30 years and this is the first time I have run into this problem. The gun is a Strayer-Voigt (SVI) 2-piece 1911 wide body type frame. The owner cracked the lower frame from the mag release button to the top of the grip, about 3/4". He got a bit ambitious and forced the lower polymer frame into the upper stainless steel frame. The polymer frame is very thin in this area. The trigger channel is on the inside where the crack appears.

These frames are major bucks and I don't think SVI would replace it because it was abused. I was hoping there was some type of epoxy or glue that would "weld" it.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2004, 08:58:22 PM »

If SVI won't replace it (I certainly try that first) your best bet would most likely be a liquid super glue(not the gel). These cyanocrilic(sp.) glues relie on extremely small glue lines and non-porous materials being bonded for their strength.. They can be damaging to some materials so a trial in an inconspicuos spot may be in order. The very thiness of the glue will serve to help get it thru the crack.. Let us know the outsome of this one.. thanks..

Iowegan · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2004, 05:01:07 PM »

Well, I found the solution. Turns out the SVI grip frame is an ABS type plastic not polymer. I had a friend that works with all types of plactics take a look at it. He put a dot of MEK on the inside and it started to disolve. He said the material would bond with Oates Black ABS Cement. We fixed it on the spot in 5 minutes. When I got the frame home I dressed and polished the "welded" area. I defy anyone to find the repair. My friend claims the repaired area will be just as strong as new.
Thanks for your input. Maybe someone else can profit from this.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:07:55 AM »

Thanks for the update. I never would have guessed the frame was made of ABS. Thanks for keeping us informed.