differing strengths of cyanoacrylate ?

[Si]

When I first bought cyanoacrylate glue in the 70s from West Hyde Developments it was amazing, sticking things fast & well. It was truly magical. :)

Over the years of buying equivalents from stationers and sheds I've felt that it lacked efficacy and had almost given using it.

But, when buying the well-mentioned IR thermometer from Maplin recently I made up the order with their BondLoc brand of cyanoacrylate. I've just had cause to use it and it's again the amazing stuff I remember from years back.

Are there differing strengths of 'superglue'?

[Brian G]

Yes - and the prevailing weather conditions.

This is based on the fact that way back around 1998, I was in control of UPVC manufacturing and fitting teams and because we were getting problems with superglues not sticking, I got landed with a three week investigation as to why - and had to write a damned report about it.

From memory, it turned out that quality was a factor on "strength", along with not applying a catalyst to the UPVC materials prior to 'gluing up' in cold weather conditions - rather than how it was used by the operatives.

Yes, the material was changed to better quality and the catalyst used in cold weather conditions.

NB: This may well have changed now mind as I have not been involved with this sort of thing for some seven years now.

Brian G

[Stuart O'Donnell]

The table at gives a range of strengths for different cyanoacrylates. The strength seems to depend on the chemical base and less for the odourless versions.

[Si]

Wow my question was dumb! Thank-you both for your responses. Maybe I'd switched to buying the odourless version over the years though I don't know why as I like the smell of cyanoacrylate. :)

That site recommends storing it in a freezer for long life. Can I just put an unopened bottle in the freezer or is it likely to expand & explode?

[The Natural Philosopher]

I don't. Gives me asthma for days. I still use it tho ;-)

Don't think so. Freezing point is, I suspect, well below freezer temps.

[Si]

I hadn't noticed that effect. :) (As a teenager I was able to get out of doing things I didn't want to by drinking some orange/lemon squash concentrate - the tartrazine/E102 would have me wheezing for several hours.)

Ta - freezing it is then. :)

[The Natural Philosopher]

Wish mine lasted long enough to warrant it..get through a small bottle per model plane, usually.

And then sand most of it off later ;-)

[geoff]

In message , The Natural Philosopher writes

Pah - Rod has six different superglues

That's what british champs are made of

[whisky-dave]

I keep mine in a cool place, but I once (a fair few years ago) accidentally dropped a few drips on a heated soldering iron, my eyes started stinging and streaming it was quite a nasty experience, I assume it was some sort of cyanide gase being given off.

[The Natural Philosopher]

No, its not cyanide, but boy does it irritate.

Even the set stuff will produce it if you e.g. grind it with a dremel.

>