Help! Is there an alternative

Katouf

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to Sikaflex?
While I agree that Sikaflex is great for sealing all sorts of things nautical, I understand from a swindlery that it has a shelf life of only 9 months, even when unopened. If you only need small amounts, eg for half a dozen bolts, is there an alternative mastic / waterproof sealer available in tubes or tins which can be sealed and reused at a later date?
I remember something that used to be used for gas fitting - a sticky yellow paste - that was water/gas/pressure proof and allowed before the nanny state said you could only use PTFE tape etc.
Is there anything out there that will do the job? Or do you have to spend over £12 for a large tube for use in a gun?
 

LORDNELSON

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Watching a sailmaker use sikaflex for inserting some fasteners in grp I learnt how to "strech" a tube of sikaflex. The tube being used had solidified at the neck, so he made a small hole in the body and oozed out bits to do the job he was doing and then taped the hole up (insulating tape). He said that by using multiple holes you got quite good value from a tube. No help with economy if you want to use the nozzle I am afraid nor with the shelf life aspect although I have not found shelf life a problem if the tube has not been opened.
 

TigaWave

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3M5200 is stronger and has a longer shelf life (I've been told, which is why chandleries in hot climates prefer to stock it)
In my experience, I have other Industrial polyurethane sealant adhesives which have the same properties as the more expensive known brands... I've just been using Arbo thane 1240 arbo@arbo.co.uk
Its very good
 

dickh

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You can also buy small tubes from chandleries for about £5 - don't think it was Sikaflex but a branded alternative - tube was about 1" Ø x 4" long - was it Boatlife?
 

snowleopard

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Google on 'polyurethane sealant'. I bought a dozen tubes at under £3.50 each. At that price it doesn't hurt so much when they go off in the tube!
 

Captain Coochie

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I used to fit a seka system in basements to stop water , it came in a rope and tape form and when fixed through formed a rubber gasket . Thats about the only thing i can think of that wouldnt have a shelf life .
 

VicMallows

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As Snowleppard comments, you don't need to pay more than about £3.50 a tube (310ml) for polyurethane adhesive (often called '221-type'). Indeed in my experience the 'industrial' versions usually have 'manufactued' or 'use-by' dates which is more than can be said for Sika (though I haven.t bought any for some years).

Even so, wasting most of a tube still grates on me! (I also use the 'make a hole in the side' technique). Where it's suitable, especially for just sealing an odd screw, I use Polysulphide which stays useable for years. (e.g. original LifeCaulk). Also my sealant of preference below water if working between tides (it will cure under water). Beware though that it is incompatible with some plastics.

Vic
 

yoda

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The answer is yes. There is a product called Seelastic which I purchace from the local caravan and camping shop or motor factors. Made by Simonize. It's been in use on my boat since 1978 and has yet to give me a problem. It seals beautifully, remains soft when not exposed to air for many many years, forms a nice skin at the edge of the seal where it squeezes out and lasts for years in the tube. (I've never thrown a part tube away) Of course it is also good value because it doesn't come from the chandlery. Believe me it is a fantastic sealant. What it is not is a glue and can therefore be removed when required. Available in Black and white.

Hope that helps.

Yoda
 

jfkal

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Can't agree. Got lots of problems with 3M with the stuff curing inside the unopened tube.
Best is to buy Sika cartridges (cheaper) and use the punch a hole and seal if it is too stuffed up at the nozzle. Turned out to be the most economic way.
 

jimbouy

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Alan,

I agree it's a problem isn't it. I've had to already chuck away a few cartridges of Sika.

Sika is avaliable in toothpaste type tubes which have a screw cap, this helps it keep a lot better. Another tip the guy in a chandlers gave me is to try and find a screw cap to fit the cartridge, I don't know about others but I usually tape up the end of the plastic nozzle with pvc insulation tape. This works for a while but a srew cap would be better.

I've also tried another much cheaper brand. I can't remember the name off hand but it comes in a light blue cartride with yellow/orange text on it. Much cheaper but I found it didn't "flow" so well. It had a much firmer consisitency than Sika.

No help what so ever I know! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

regards

Jim
 

Lakesailor

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If you unscrew the nozzle from the gun cartridge you can normally poke out the 'set' plug of Sikaflex (especially if you used tape over the tip) and then carry on as normal.
Poke it the 'wrong' way. ie: towards the threaded end on the nozzle.
Always works for me.
 

Talbot

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Wurth make an equivalent to the sika adhesive, which is available from Pepe Boatyard on Hayling Island . Make sure you get the adhesive, rather than the sealant. I have just finished my last tube and it was empty after 6 months use - no punched holes, I just allow the first use to seal up the nozzle, and then just remove the nozzle each time, making sure I wipe the thread well before putting the nozzle back so that it doesnt stick itself completely.
 
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