Gluing Pressed Parts

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Todd in PA

Todd in PA

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Joined
Feb 16, 2021
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Port Matilda, PA
I'd like to know how many of you add glue before pressing in parts when assembling your pens.

Mmayo posted recently that gluing is part of his regular assembly routine. He sells a lot of pens. I've had one customer return an item because the finial and clip came out. Easily fixed, but embarrassing. I've since noticed others that don't feel snug (the clip spins pretty easily).

In my experience, gluing means disassembly is impossible, so if it cracks or the finish lifts, the kit is lost with the barrel.

Do you glue?
Do you use epoxy or CA?

Thanks!
 
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I've started to on parts that are a bit too loose - I've seen this on a few specific kits. I've used epoxy but may try blue locktite as mentioned above.
 
I have used, blue LT, red LT , grey jb weld, CA, etc.. I regularly use BSI Quick Epoxy. I have also dissembled some pens using the PSI pen assembly/disassembly tool and to date, have not damaged a pen - so far. I have found the the QC epoxies don't bond as firmly as the longer-cure epoxies (maybe that is the trade-off?) and I don't use a lot. I would love to return to the blue or red loctite (b/c it's faster), but my experience has found the QC epoxy to serve my needs best. I started this b/c I found my clips were rotating after a while (my clients didn't care, but it bothered me). I have been researching some type of electric welding/soldering unit that jewelers use without the bulk of the solder. I don't even know if such a thing exists.
 
I use a 'dab' of epoxy in assembly. The rotating clip started my use of epoxy. I also use epoxy on delicate blanks, both wood and acrylic, due to the loosening the press fit which has helped with the cracking of the blank too. Another reason is that I once watched someone I had given a pen to, disassemble it with his hands. For some unknown reason to me he just decided to take it apart. He handed back to me and said 'sorry'. Just my 2 cents worth.
 
I use a dab of medium CA on the inner edge of the tube right before pressing and I have had trouble with dissasembly. Based on the above I'll be giving blue loctite a test.
 
I had read somewhere that ca on the metal can discolor or damage the plating so I was using epoxy on kits notorious for cracking barrels (cough*Graduate*cough). There was no getting that unstuck.

I'll try the blue loctite, and probably make it a habit at least in the clip ends.
 
Todd in PA said:
I had read somewhere that ca on the metal can discolor or damage the plating so I was using epoxy on kits notorious for cracking barrels (cough*Graduate*cough). There was no getting that unstuck.

I'll try the blue loctite, and probably make it a habit at least in the clip ends.
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Discolouration on the original El Grande finials turned me off CA , and onto Loctite . Too often , I find nibs or finials which can be inserted with just finger pressure . They demand Loctite , but that led me to dissemble every nib and finial after installation .Those that come apart too easily - with only a few light taps - also get Loctite . And being probably over confident in my pen making skills , I use red Loctite . So far , so good .
 
Stwil said:
Is this the blue loctite super glue.
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No, loctite is not a cyanoacrylic (ca) glue. It is a thread locking "glue" used to keep bolts and nuts from coming loose. There are several companies that make it. When blue is used, the parts can be taken apart with a little force. The red usually (but not always) requires heat to loosen.
 
Monty said:
You are right Wayne. But there are rare times when the pen needs to be disassembled, like to replace a broken clip.
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I would tend to regard a broken clip as user error , for which they pay the price . I have had blue Loctite fail , probably upon one that coild have been assembled with finger pressure .
 
1080Wayne said:
I would tend to regard a broken clip as user error , for which they pay the price . I have had blue Loctite fail , probably upon one that coild have been assembled with finger pressure .
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True, but if the customer asks for a replacement, regardless if you are charging for it or not, you will need to disassemble part of the pen.
 
I tuse a round file and lightly rough up the inside of the clip ring then use blue lactite (lightly) on the clip ring and press the parts together. I am not aware of any coming loose.
 

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