How to repair broken screw sockets on plastic scooter body
by: scooter - Apr 10, 2015 17:15:01 GMT -5
jerseyboy, dmartin95, and 2 more like this
Post by scooter on Apr 10, 2015 17:15:01 GMT -5
How to repair broken screw sockets on broken plastic scooter body panels.
This is an easy way to fix broken screw sockets on plastic scooter body panels using plastic welding compound and masking tape.
Here's the part that needs fixing. Only the last little bit of threads are left of the socket.
1) Prepare the area. I break off any broken bits of screw socket and then clean the area with acetone and a shop towel. Then I put the screw in what is left of the socket. If there is nothing to put the screw into, then I just make the socket and drill it out when I am done. The drill should be about the size of the body of the screw, not including the threads.
2) Next I make a "mold" out of ordinary masking tape, leaving a little room around the screw for the wall thickness of the new socket.
3) Next I mix a bit of plastic welding compound, sold at hardware and auto shops. I prefer the generic brand. The JB Weld brand was soft. The generic brand came out very nice and hard. I use a flat stick to shove the compound down into the mold. It is okay if you distort the mold. Just make it the shape you want after putting the compound in.
4) After letting the compound harden, about 5 to 10 minutes, peel off the tape and see how you did. Remove the screw. It is going to be really stuck in there so be careful not to break your new socket. Twist the screw back and forth until it comes loose, holding the new socket tightly. You may be able to lube your screw before pouring your mold with some bar soap or something, but I didn't want to chance contaminating my mold so I did not lube the screw. If you couldn't leave the screw in the mold, now is the time to drill out your new socket. The hole should be about the size of the screw body, not including the threads, as mentioned above.
If you're doing a screw socket out in the open, just make your mold round. It doesn't have to be perfect.
You're done. Now your body is tight again! Your scooter body that is.
I hope you found this useful. Next time I'll show you how to repair broken tabs and slots on body panels using a similar method that is stronger than new! Happy Scooting!
This is an easy way to fix broken screw sockets on plastic scooter body panels using plastic welding compound and masking tape.
Here's the part that needs fixing. Only the last little bit of threads are left of the socket.
1) Prepare the area. I break off any broken bits of screw socket and then clean the area with acetone and a shop towel. Then I put the screw in what is left of the socket. If there is nothing to put the screw into, then I just make the socket and drill it out when I am done. The drill should be about the size of the body of the screw, not including the threads.
2) Next I make a "mold" out of ordinary masking tape, leaving a little room around the screw for the wall thickness of the new socket.
3) Next I mix a bit of plastic welding compound, sold at hardware and auto shops. I prefer the generic brand. The JB Weld brand was soft. The generic brand came out very nice and hard. I use a flat stick to shove the compound down into the mold. It is okay if you distort the mold. Just make it the shape you want after putting the compound in.
4) After letting the compound harden, about 5 to 10 minutes, peel off the tape and see how you did. Remove the screw. It is going to be really stuck in there so be careful not to break your new socket. Twist the screw back and forth until it comes loose, holding the new socket tightly. You may be able to lube your screw before pouring your mold with some bar soap or something, but I didn't want to chance contaminating my mold so I did not lube the screw. If you couldn't leave the screw in the mold, now is the time to drill out your new socket. The hole should be about the size of the screw body, not including the threads, as mentioned above.
If you're doing a screw socket out in the open, just make your mold round. It doesn't have to be perfect.
You're done. Now your body is tight again! Your scooter body that is.
I hope you found this useful. Next time I'll show you how to repair broken tabs and slots on body panels using a similar method that is stronger than new! Happy Scooting!
