NZ Performance Car – September 2019

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J-B WELD PRODUCT RANGE INTRODUCTION

PRODUCT TEST

W

hile a tool-box typically contains spanners, sockets, screwdrivers, etc.,

there are some liquid additions that can be just as handy as the tools

themselves. The trick is to know which product to use and when. If

we mention the name J-B Weld, you’ll no doubt start thinking about the original

two-pot cold weld reinforced epoxy, but their range is far greater than just the

OG. Below, we are going to break down four of the most popular tool-box must-

haves from the brand, so you’ll know which one to grab next time. As a side note,

each product is a two-part glue and needs to be mixed 1:1 for the chemical cure

to happen. If the product is supplied in a syringe, it will automatically dispense

both products equally. The plastic packaging also doubles as a mixing tray, and

a mixing stick is also provided. To ensure a quality repair, make sure you clean all

surfaces, and in many cases, scuffing will ensure a great bond.

J-B COLD WELD

The original two-pot cold weld is a steel-reinforced

epoxy that sets so hard (compressive strength of

3960psi) that it can be drilled, tapped, shaped,

and sanded once fully cured. While it might sound

like some hack-job technique for repairing cracked

blocks and cylinder heads (outside the combustion

chamber), this is a very real use for the product, and

has great success if done correctly. We’ve also used

it many times to repair parts that were corroded and

not easily replaced. We always carry some in the

tool-box to the track and it’s saved our butts with

sump repairs more than once. Come to think of it,

the sump still has the repair going strong.

J-B CLEARWELD

ClearWeld is another epoxy, although this one’s

not reinforced and dries clear. It’s a fast one-hour

cure with a set time of five minutes, and with a

full-strength cure achieved overnight. This one’s

perfect for repairs where you’re trying to glue

something back together and minimize the visual

appearance of the crack. While it will have uses in

the workshop — given that it bonds most plastics,

glass, wood, tiles, and ceramics — it’s also the

perfect solution to have in the kitchen drawer; say

for fixing that vase of your Nana’s you bumped

off the table. It’s actually stronger in compressive

strength than the cold weld.

J-B PLASTICWELD

Covering ABS, hard plastics, PVC, vinyl, and

fibreglass, PlasticWeld bonds pretty much

anything ClearWeld couldn’t. This is another

4400psi-strength epoxy featuring a super-

fast five-minute set and one-hour cure time,

PlasticWeld is widely regarded as one of the

best plastic glues on the market — just make

sure that you’re set on your placement, as you

don’t have long until it sets, so getting things

apart once you’ve joined them is difficult.

J-B PLASTIC BONDER

Unlike the other products, Plastic Bonder is a urethane adhesive. Formulated to dry

black makes it’s perfect for repairing bumpers, attaching trims, and bonding panels.

Got a fancy carbon roof skin that needs attaching? This is the product. Got a new lip

to add to your bumper? This is the product. Plastic Bonder sets in 15 mins and cures

in 30, so trackside repairs are achievable and last. Once cured, it sands easily, so

managing an OEM-looking repair is achievable.

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