Have you been throwing away some of your hold items because they are broken? You should stop doing that, as many household items are made of plastic and can easily be repaired. It is impressive to know that most items in your home, including glasses, chairs, buckets, sandals, bathtub, and faucets, can be fixed rather than being thrown away and replaced. You just need to know a few hacks and save all the money you use to replace the items. Fixing broken items is also a good environmental practice because it prevents overburdening the environment. The most important step in fixing a broken item is joining the two parts together. Let’s dive in to understand techniques to repair household items.
Understand Plastic Types
As mentioned above, many household items that break are made of plastic; therefore, you need to understand the different types of plastic before deciding the methods to use to repair broken items. Today plastics come in many forms making repair tricky. But the two main plastics are fiber plastics and non-fiber plastics. Check the manufacturer’s guide fast to understand what you are working with. This helps you to choose the right repair tools and matching glues for the repair to last longer.
What You Need
The most common materials for repairing plastics include hot air tools, welding guns, adhesives, and applicators. You need surface prep tools like grinders and sandpapers to clean and make the surfaces rough. Have clamps and holders to keep parts together before glue or welding dry. Ensure that all the tools are assembled to make your work easier and faster.
Repairing Methods
Different methods can be used depending on the item you need to fix and the material used to make it. Here are some effective repair methods that, if done correctly, won’t disappoint you.
Adhesive Bonding Methods
With the right adhesive bonding, most plastics can be fixed using the right glue and using it correctly. For broken household plastics, including chairs and buckets, using silicone sealants is a smart choice because most are water-resistant, which means the repair will last longer. Sealants work better than other bonding methods like molding and plastic welding. Additionally, they work better in fixing repairs around bathtubs, toilets, and sinks because they are waterproof. Getting good results depends on understanding what the repair needs and following the following steps.
- Know the material of the item you are fixing since different adhesives work differently in different materials.
- Clean the surface thoroughly to remove all the dirt and make it rough.
- Apply the right amount of adhesive on the two parts and avoid too much to prevent making the item look messy.
- Hold the parts together with holders and clamps and apply the right pressure until the glue is set.
Heat Treatment Techniques
Heating is another effective method of fixing broken plastics. Commonly known as plastic welding, heating helps fix and reshape parts fix and reshape parts that are cracked or bent. Before using the method, know the type of plastic because it works well in some plastics. The basic rule of this method is applying heat on the edges to be joined until the liquid melting from the plastic is enough to blend the parts together.
Another heating method is using hot water to soften the broken parts of some plastics. The plastic is made soft until it allows you to reshape it with your hands. Cool the plastic immediately using cold water and mold it again to make it hard. Cooling is crucial in making the plastic stiff for lasting results.
Plastic water pipes including those for the kitchen and bathroom break most of the times leaving you stranded and wondering what to do. Some plastics can be fixed using heat guns. Heat guns help repair plastic patches by softening the edges of the hole and the section you will use to patch. Avoid using high temperature to prevent the plastic from getting damaged.
In conclusion, many people throw away household items that have been broken due to a lack of knowledge. If you are a victim, you can stop it today to save a lot of money and protect our environment. Repairing the items is easier and fun as long as you are willing. Understand the materials, use the right tools and adhesives, and follow the right steps to ensure your repairs last. Whether the broken items are made of ceramic, plastic, or glass, there are reliable materials to repair them.
