Attaching a Small Piece of Plastic to a Piece of Flat Stainless

[off-the-grid]

Without going into too great detail. In a spot where using screws or other mechanical fasteners may not be possible.

Suggestions?

Epoxy? That seems to be the go to answer. And I believe 5200, 4200, 4000, etc. aren't recommended for use on plastic.

[James S]

Plastic is a big word...lots of different materials are known as plastic...
Any clearer details on the "plastic"?

[off-the-grid]

Hmm...very good point. Unfortunately, I don't know. You're average light weight, used for manufacturing various items that you'd buy at Dept, Lowes, Walmart, etc. kind of plastic. It's the base of an el cheapo light if that helps.

[Sailmonkey]

if it's something like a table light on a counter top, use a small dab of clear silicone. Works wonders and comes off later. it's used as a method on larger motoryachts to hold vases on granite countertops.....if it's good enough for them!!

[off-the-grid]

It's going to be outside, therefore exposed to weather/wind. I don't think I'd trust silicone in that application.

[capt_douglas]

If the plastic is going to hold weight then I'd consider some kind of adhesive. If it's for some kind of protection, then silicone might do the job.

I'd make sure the stainless was as clean as possible (no polish or wax or gunk) and scuff up the plastic a bit. I'd think the toughest bond would be the adhesive/silicone to stainless.

[S/V_Surya]

Epoxy will not stick to "plastic". I "accidentally" spilt some on my plastic auto headlight cover and it easily peeled off. You can try super glue or as I have mentioned on this site previously on PVC I used plasti-aid.

[James S]

Originally Posted by grunzster

Hmm...very good point. Unfortunately, I don't know. You're average light weight, used for manufacturing various items that you'd buy at Dept, Lowes, Walmart, etc. kind of plastic. It's the base of an el cheapo light if that helps.

If its an el-cheapo light and you're going to use it outside, are you convinced of its UV protection?
I'm thinking I'd be doing some tests with different adhesives.

[Podjo]

I am thinking that something like UltraGlaze SSG4000 that is used for lexan and hatches would work. This structural silicon is also used to fasten glass to sky scrapers.

[off-the-grid]

Originally Posted by James S

If its an el-cheapo light and you're going to use it outside, are you convinced of its UV protection?
I'm thinking I'd be doing some tests with different adhesives.

Because it's a solar light.

Maybe a small PVC cap that could be screwed into the stainless, and then glued to, or maybe even screw into the sides of the base would be a better option.

[zeehag]

G-FLEX STICKS TO WAXY PLASTIC-- IS A KIND OF EPOXY STUFF -- FIXES THINGS PLASTIC AND STICKS THINGS TOGETHER. GOOD LUCK-HOPE IS YOUR ANSWER.
MIGHT WANNA COAT THE BASE OF THE CHEEPO LAMP TO SEE IF MEBBE IT IS GONNA MAKE IT LAST LONGER...

[MarkJ]

I have found a lovely glue that does well with lotsa stuff: Pattex Repair Extreme.
Small tube from the supermarket. Works great on plastic, great outside (I have some on the bottom of the Dinghy (she still sinks )

If that doesnt work I would suggest what the folks earlier have said about a silicon/adhesive. There are some cheapies but goodies in the hardware store ---- NEVA go near a chandler

5200 et al will be a waste of money (but will stick to plastic)

[zeehag]

what about crazyglue or super glue-- sticks to everything snt expensive and is easily found almost everywhere..comes in tiny tubes and only needs one drop------
pvc joint glue from home depot....

[rustypirate]

You could also try this:
Plexus Adhesive A Great Product For Boat Maintenance And Refit Jobs

[cat man do]

Cheap no name roof and guttering silicone

I have seen it pull the fiberglass skin off of a boat having its crazed plastic windows removed, which, being crazed had obviously been in the elements for a long time.