How To Repair Torn Rubber
Torn rubber products may still have some life left in them if the rip can be repaired so the items are safe to use. For example, it may not be safe to repair a substantial rip in an inflatable rubber boat, but a small torn section might be patched securely so the boat could be used again. Materials for repairing torn rubber vary with the use of the product. Basic rubber cement can be used to repair a split in a child's toy ball, although stronger, waterproof adhesives may be needed for rubber materials intended for regular outdoor use. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rubber adhesive suitable for the specific repair
- Acetone (nail polish remover)
- Cotton swabs
- Patch kit
- Rags for wiping up spills
Instructions
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1
Clean the torn area thoroughly with a cotton swab dipped in acetone. Allow the chemical to evaporate. The area should dry in a few minutes.
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2
Apply a line of rubber adhesive to one side of the torn area, making sure it gets into the cracks.
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3
Press the two torn pieces together, and align them evenly. Hold them for at least five minutes until the cement begins to bond.
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4
Peel the protective backing off a rubber patch. Apply a few drops of cement to the surface of the patch.
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5
Press and hold the patch to the damaged area for at least five minutes until the cement begins to set.
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6
Allow the rubber repair to cure for at least 24 hours before using the item.
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Tips & Warnings
Match up the adhesive with the repair job for best results. For example, use a waterproof rubber cement for outdoor use, a silicon cement for repairing speaker cones or a basic rubber cement for repairing minor rips and tears, such as a cut in a bicycle inner tube. Patch kits help the rubber cement bond and reinforce the damaged area.
Adhesives for repairing torn rubber are highly flammable and dangerous to breathe. Use the products in a well-ventilated area.
References
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Comments
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I am trying to mend a broken arm on my 1950s tiny tears american chactactor doll...the fate of these dolls is in jepordy because the rubber arms and legs crack and break...it is ashamed because they are such cute dolls....people have started to buy up other damaged tiny tears dolls the fix the ones they already have and rob part from the damaged ones instead of trying to repair the rubber...i think it would be great to use a repair method instead of robbing limbs from other damaged dolls...most times robbing limbs from another doll totally damages the doll more..and getting a arm or leg back on without futher damage is very difficult...rubber patching would be wonderful if it works......i would like to give it a try...
