Using Loctite PL Premium

[Nordo]

Is there a link, or can someone give some tips on using PL adhesive?

e.g.
How big a hole to cut in the end of the applicator tube?
What is the best method to seal the end of the applicator if you are not going to use it for a day or two?
How much to apply - 3mm? 4mm? diameter bead? (I know this will come with experience, buy it would be nice if the first joint is as good as the last).
Is glad wrap good for keeping it off guides, etc
How long before a joint can be handled?
Anything else worth mentioning?

[Tom Smit]

Is there a link, or can someone give some tips on using PL adhesive?

e.g.
How big a hole to cut in the end of the applicator tube?
What is the best method to seal the end of the applicator if you are not going to use it for a day or two?

I make the hole big enough to receive a 3" (7cm?) nail which is used as a stopper.

How much to apply - 3mm? 4mm? diameter bead? (I know this will come with experience, buy it would be nice if the first joint is as good as the last).

For width, yes, that is good. About 2~3mm high.

Is glad wrap good for keeping it off guides, etc

Yes. That or waxed paper./quote]
How long before a joint can be handled?[/quote]A few hours if screws or brad nails are used.

Anything else worth mentioning?

Lightly dampen the joints before applying the PL.
Predrill screw holes, insert screws just proud of the side (acts like alignment pegs for the panel) before applying PL.

[Hackomatic]

. . and do not try to scrape off the squeeze out until after it has cured.

Also, be aware that PL is the gift that keeps on giving even after you release the pressure on the caulk gun.

[escapemcp]

USE GLOVES if you even think of gluing a joint unless you want hands that look very dirty. It takes about a week to come off!

Wear clothes that you don't want anymore. I have a pair of tracksuit bottoms that are stiff with PL - I am a clumsy bugger though and usually get more glue on me than the joint!

[Hackomatic]

Like this?

PL.jpg (17.85 KiB) Viewed 4032 times

Me too!

[Nordo]

That's great.
Thanks guys.

Maybe others could add hints that they have found useful when using PL - for budding builders like me.
After hearing some of the horror stories regarding the glue, this has certainly given me more confidence.

[Bruce Weldy]

That's great.
Thanks guys.

Maybe others could add hints that they have found useful when using PL - for budding builders like me.
After hearing some of the horror stories regarding the glue, this has certainly given me more confidence.

1. wear latex gloves

2. when you are through with putting down a bead, take the pressure off the plunger in the caulk gun - it won't squeeze out as much.

3. make sure you have some old newspaper already on the work table to lay the caulk gun on - it will leak.

4. don't try to make it pretty by using your finger like you would with caulk. Just leave it.

5. use a putty knife or scraper to clean any joints that will show a few hours after gluing. If you wait 'til the next day, it's really hard.

6. when you are done for the day, stick a screw or nail in the end then tape around and over it - the PL will last a lot longer like this.

[koturban]

That's great.
Thanks guys.

Maybe others could add hints that they have found useful when using PL - for budding builders like me.
After hearing some of the horror stories regarding the glue, this has certainly given me more confidence.

Unless you have seen how much PL expands, chances are you will use more than you need. This is okay.

Try joining a couple of scrap pieces of wood with the glue so you know what you are in for.

After running a bead and releasing the pressure, I always set the gun back down on the same piece of scrap wood to catch the inevitable leak from the tube.

[DJPhatman]

That's great.
Thanks guys.

Maybe others could add hints that they have found useful when using PL - for budding builders like me.
After hearing some of the horror stories regarding the glue, this has certainly given me more confidence.

1. wear latex gloves

2. when you are through with putting down a bead, take the pressure off the plunger in the caulk gun - it won't squeeze out as much.

3. make sure you have some old newspaper already on the work table to lay the caulk gun on - it will leak.

4. don't try to make it pretty by using your finger like you would with caulk. Just leave it.

5. use a putty knife or scraper to clean any joints that will show a few hours after gluing. If you wait 'til the next day, it's really hard.

6. when you are done for the day, stick a screw or nail in the end then tape around and over it - the PL will last a lot longer like this.

7. Before you open up a tube of PL, wrap it tightly with a few turns of cheap vinyl electrical tape right in the center of the tube. This really helps stop the continuous squeeze-out after you release the caulk gun tension.

[Grant Bunter]

I go with a slightly different technique than newspaper and nails and tape etc.

I roll out a a 30cm/foot long piece of aluminium foil, fold it in half lengthwise.
Place the nozzle in the middle, fold it over, then roll it round the nozzle.

After each application, release the pressure on the back plunger (as already stated) and put the nozzle inside the foil again.
This keeps the PL at the tip always fresh, not as exposed to air.
At the end of the day I put the PL tube in the fridge sans gun.

BTW, wax paper here is what I know as greaseproof paper. Baking paper would work too...