Drysuit glue help
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jvanostrand
Contributor
In Canada, not having easy access to the special glues people talk about, I bought several brands and tested them.
I tried the contact cements from Home Hardware and Canadian Tire, and some contact cement I bought from Rubberline Products (a rubber supplier). For the retail glues I chose the heavy duty flammable variety. Having worked with contact cements years ago I knew there was a big difference. Rubberline had heavy duty glue that I think people use for gluing rubber for industrial purposes.
I then took a used bicycle inner tube, cut identical sized pieces for testing. I cleaned (acetone) and sanded the pieces identically making sure not to touch the sanded areas. I test glued each glue and after a day of curing I tried to separate each. The glue that worked the best was from Rubberline. I've glued on several wrist and neck seals and even one neoprene boot. As contact cement you use a heat gun to soften the glue for removal and you can use acetone if you want to dissolve it.
I recommend you also get seam tape (basically a 1" strip of rubber) to finish seams with. It adds some strength but also protects the seams from rolling open. It's glued on with contact cement as well. There is heat-seal seam tape that I haven't tried.
Rubberline is a generic rubber company. I think all cities have something like them.
I tried the contact cements from Home Hardware and Canadian Tire, and some contact cement I bought from Rubberline Products (a rubber supplier). For the retail glues I chose the heavy duty flammable variety. Having worked with contact cements years ago I knew there was a big difference. Rubberline had heavy duty glue that I think people use for gluing rubber for industrial purposes.
I then took a used bicycle inner tube, cut identical sized pieces for testing. I cleaned (acetone) and sanded the pieces identically making sure not to touch the sanded areas. I test glued each glue and after a day of curing I tried to separate each. The glue that worked the best was from Rubberline. I've glued on several wrist and neck seals and even one neoprene boot. As contact cement you use a heat gun to soften the glue for removal and you can use acetone if you want to dissolve it.
I recommend you also get seam tape (basically a 1" strip of rubber) to finish seams with. It adds some strength but also protects the seams from rolling open. It's glued on with contact cement as well. There is heat-seal seam tape that I haven't tried.
Rubberline is a generic rubber company. I think all cities have something like them.
Contact the drysuit manufacturer for advice. IIRC, Whites said that using certain common glues for scuba applications wold void their warranty.
jvanostrand
Contributor
If you're looking at repairing boots, like you have a crack or cut in the sole or top, use a urethane glue like Aquaseal or Shoo Glue (from Canadian Tire.)
I have had good luck with Aquaseal. Replaced a neck seal and no issues after 2 years.
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