DIY CO2, hot glue vs. silicone

happychem

happychem

redorkulated
Dec 9, 2003
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Halifax, NS
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I found a leak in the bottle top of my DIY system.

I siliconed it up this morning, as I did, I noticed the tubing moving as I moved the cap (obviously). I reached a conclusion:

Hot glue cures hard, it has very little give. Movement of the airline tubing could cause a break in the seal. Silicone cures to a much more flexible finish. It can move with the tubing while still holding its integrity. We'll see.

Nonetheless, I thought I'd post this here as one consideration for those embarking on the DIY route. Hot glue does come highly recommended and I used it for several months with no problems. But I think that the flexibility of silicone should make it the superior sealant.
 
My favorite for repairs while in use

I have found that neither hot glue nor silicone works very well on DIY reactors.... try using Liquid Nails (only on the outside). It is a clear caulk-like adhesive I found at Home Depot (well actually I found it in my garage).

I peeled off the the leaking silicone while the generator was still in use, and sealed it with the Liquid Nails, you might want to wipe with alcohol to clean it well if there might be water on it from testing for leaks.
 
Heh, a little late, but a good idea. I leak tested by gobbing on the silicone. I figured the leak must be very slow, since I wasn't able to find it before with water. I've found it usually takes soapy water anyway, but hey. Anyway, I gave the bottle a shake and a bubble came through the silicone.

I'll keep the liq. nails in mind, thanks for the tip.
 
I have a tube of "No More Nails" that I got at home depot. Also found that silicone doesn't hold plastic very well. I think it will never get a tight grib on it and therefore won't hold.
 
I have used the glue called E-6000 with great results. It remains flexible but adheres very well. It has served me very well in DIY use over the years.

I have used it on everything from sealing up potato launchers to patching inner tubes, to gluing metal to tile. It was a natural choice for a DIY bubble counter and CO2 generator assembly.

It is available at homes stores and Walmart.
 
I have to agree w/anaonapersona - neither hot melt nor silicone provides a lasting seal against the flex airline tubing. Either is strictly temporary for me.

I haven't tried "no more nails" or the E-6000, but I will on my shopping trip - I am burned out on re-doing silicone or hot melt.
 
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