Historic HomeWorks Forum

Rickfix · Joined: 18 Jun 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Brackenridge, PA

How can you get a hot glued joint apart?

How can you get a "crazy" glued joint apart?

Steven Lear · Joined: 01 Oct 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Bangor, ME

Hi Rick;

I would think that the "hot glue" wood release by reheating it.

Crazy Glue is cyanoacrylate adhesive. Often this glue will become brittle and, depending on where it has been used, a good tap might release the bond. Try acetone, or there are debonders available for this type of glue.

Rickfix · Joined: 18 Jun 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Brackenridge, PA

Steven,

Thanks for the tips. If you check my website you will find that isopropyl alcohol (I use 90% or 180 proof) will release the hot glue bond as well, with less mess. It seems to work on complex shaped joints as well as simple joints. I hadn't thought of trying to shatter a crazy glued joint. I wonder if a center punch or appropriately sized drift pin would be the tool of choice? Maybe one of those vibrating engraving tools would work too. Lowering the temperature might cause the brittleness to increase. I haven't tried acetone, except for cleanup before the glue sets. There is an accelerator fluid for crazy glue too, but it detracts somewhat from the bond strength, which a second application will sometimes help. It didn't occur to me to check the manufacturers site, that's why I need guys like you and my brother John to help me get the stuff fixed right the first time.

Incidentally, crazy glue was developed for and first used in Vietnam to hold closed the wounds while our men were transported to medical facilities behind the lines - I just heard that a few weeks ago on TV. Now that's another source for undoing the joints.

Rick - boy I am really glad you responded, maybe I'll be the "king of debond".