how to soften plastic strip

[SS]

I have a plastic strip, its a seal between a sliding shower door. I took it off to clean but cant get it back on as it has lost its flexability. Only other way is dismantling door which I dont want to do.

The strip has a couple of ridges that slide into a groove to keep it in place.

Any ideas on how to soften the plastic? I have tried hot water and also lubricating it to no avail.

[Mathew Newton]

Hair dryer?

Mathew

[Ian Jackson]

I was thinking 'hot air gun', used carefully, at a distance, with (if necessary) something to deflect the heat from whatever is behind the plastic.

[newshound]

Very hot water (i.e. near boiling point) should work, and be safer for the plastic if not for you.

[Mathew Newton]

I'd be inclined to move up to that only if necessary... too much scope for overdoing things I would've thought! I suppose it depends on the type of plastic but I've had success with a hair dryer on the type used for UPVC double glazing - indeed the first time I almost overdid it as I didn't realise it was going to be so effective!

Mathew

[robgraham]

Have you tried lubricating with washing up liquid?

One of the best tools for all sorts of applications is a hot air gun with a variable heat output. I'm always diving under the bench to get it out - everything from bee-keeping, melting hot glue wax, drying out metalwork before painting, and finally paint stripping.

Rob

[SS]

Have you tried lubricating with washing up liquid?

One of the best tools for all sorts of applications is a hot air gun with a variable heat output. I'm always diving under the bench to get it out - everything from bee-keeping, melting hot glue wax, drying out metalwork before painting, and finally paint stripping.

Rob

Yes I have tried lubricating it didnt help.

Thanks for all the tips guys I am going to try the hairdryer later today and see how it goes.

thanks

[SS]

Now sorted.