I need some help! Anyone have epoxy/glue that can very strongly connect plastic?

[STiTCH87]

So I was adjusting the outlet tube on my skimmer today, and the elbow fitting were so tight that when I went to rotate one, the base outlet tube connected to my skimmer snapped off of the skimmer. Nothing actually broke, but apparently they just glue these things into place for some foolish reason.

Here's a picture:

Note the tube I am holding, and the hole in my skimmer where water is pouring out. Ignore the abundance of overflowing bubbles. That's another issue I have to deal with after this outlet tube is reattached. It's so upsetting because this was the best skimmer i've ever owned and worked flawless for 5 months and now all of sudden everything is going wrong with it. =\

 

[wilfx]

I have some weld on. Once you glue it on it is not coming off. Or go to Home depot and get some silicone.
If you want the weldon I am in Bellingham.

 

[STiTCH87]

I appreciate the offer on the Weldon, but trying to stay within a 20 minute drive of my house if I can since it's only for some glue. =\ Does Home Depot sell WeldOn?

 

[STiTCH87]

Ope, nevermind I found a 4oz. can on Ebay for $10 so i'm gonna go snag that up. Thanks though for referring me toward a good glue to fix it with though! =]

 

[JasonandRay]

why type of weldon is that, if i recall correctly i think you need 16

 

[rifishguy]

You want to buy a tube of #16 the can stuff is to thin it will run all over.

 

[wilfx]

I also have #16.

 

[STiTCH87]

Well #3 is plastic glue cement for acrylic, ABS, and lexan.

But #16 is for styrene, butyrate, PVC and polycarbonate, as well as other plastics and porous surfaces.

So IDK. I assume 16 would work on acrylic too.

 

[wilfx]

it does. and does it very well.

 

[STiTCH87]

Very awesome, thanks you both for your help and quick responses. Now I just gotta figure out why this skimmer keeps overflowing.

 

[STiTCH87]

You guys know if any local store sell it so I don't have to wait for shippment? Maybe like Sears or Lowes or Home Depot?

 

[delta]

Well #3 is plastic glue cement for acrylic, ABS, and lexan.

But #16 is for styrene, butyrate, PVC and polycarbonate, as well as other plastics and porous surfaces.

So IDK. I assume 16 would work on acrylic too.

Weldon #3 is like water and #16 is like thick glue. Both work on acrylic but you can build #16 and it good for repairs and fixes.

If the fit is really tight you could use Weldon #4 let me know as I have a fairly large bottle I could give you a bit. If it is a tight fit, all you have to do is squirt it along the seam and it will suck right in

 

[STiTCH87]

I wouldn't so much say a tight fit. Just a very flat and flush fit. The diameter bore of the hole on the skimmer is perfectly equivalent of the inner diameter of the outlet tube so there's minimal room more misalignment, but with steady hands and patience I think #16 will do the job. I'll just put it on the tube side and place down then any spillage inside the tube I can immediately wipe out with a toothbrush to keep the flow area inside the outlet tube clear for when it dries to not disturb future water flow. Can't believe they'd design this skimmer so intelligently in every aspect except for gluing on an outlet tube. I mean all the internals slide out for Pete sake, but they can't incorporate a miniature bulk-head design for the outlet similar to what CPR uses. -_- Go figure.

 

[delta]

really if it flush fit it doesn't fit in side of the hole? A uni seal would be good here, but you would have to redrill the skimmer. Not the best option

 

[Mini4x]

As far as the overflowing I'd suggest your water level is too high, is the skimmer always in the bucket as shown?

 

[STiTCH87]

Nope that was just to run it continuously to see if it'd eventually "break in" again without worrying about it overflowing into my tank. I tried lower water and higher and did no change.

 

[JohnK]

You definately want the WO #16. #3 or #4 are both water thin solvents. If you try a repair like this with 3 or 4 your likely to make things worse and not fix it at all.

#16 on the other hand is more like a runny glue and as Greg said can be built up. It's ugly but very well suited for repair work.

 

[STiTCH87]

Got a tube of the #16. Thanks everyone. =]