What glue to use?

[PGC]

I am putting together the brake gear of a loco. I'm using Gibson plastic shoes with brass cross shafts.

 

Obviously I can't solder the shoes to the cross shafts, so what would people suggest is the best glue to use for sticking them together?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Phil

[Karhedron]

Probably cyanoacrylate "superglue" is the easiest option for joining metal to plastic.

 

If you want something even stronger you can use 2-part epoxy (areldite or similar) but this takes longer to set. Useful for heavy or load-bearing components but probably overkill for cosmetic detailing parts.

[jwealleans]

Yes, I'd second that. Just enough to hold them in place and then you can snap the bond and move them if necessary.

[PGC]

Thanks to both for the replies - I have always used cyano, in the past, but just wanted to see if there were any other options. I guess not!

 

Phil

[Zero Gravitas]

In the past, I've used UHU or equivalent to stick plastic to brass (or other metals, for that matter), but I've gradually moved over to thick cyano. Much less messy, quicker and easier to take apart if necessary.

 

HTH.

 

Best Regards,

 

ZG.

[Rumblestripe]

My "technique" (if such it can be called) for glueing metal and plastic together is to wet the plastic with solvent and apply the cyano to the metal, the slight softness in the plastic makes for a better joint as the contact area is increased twixt plastic and metal. Though I agree if it's going to take flexing and knocks epoxy is the way to go and the proper 24hour stuff not the five minute rubbish.