Crack Repair Tool?

[screenman]

I find it does not matter if the crack is surface to the end or not, which of course most are not, pulling a vacuum on a crack can pull in air. Now certainly you can pull a very quick vacuum before the resin start to flow but once it is on its way then the resin will be pushing air along the crack in front of it towards any surface hole available.

On longer cracks I drill and pop the end and then 1/2 inch in from that, that is where I place my injector. Why you may ask, think of a river thin at the start and wider at the end like most long cracks, by trying to fill from the end can take a lot longer than I want to spend on a repair. By using my second hole the resin will flow quicker into the wide section whilst also fill the tighter end section.

Nice thing about this trade is the many different ways to squirt resin into a hole.

[usmc68]

Thank you puka pau.

[GLASSTIME]

Very interesting as the post was meant to find out about the use of a "Crack Repair" tool......Not the process of "Repairing" a crack.

Anyways, Screenman, haven't tried you're method yet, however, I am anxiously awaiting to do so!

One question with this methos though....
"Q-TIPS" are made with a small spool of "Cotton" Wouldn't they're be a possibility of the cotton coming detached from the spool family and "Drying", "Curing" within the crack leg (Surface)

Would this not cause problems?

Maybe, I should just test the waters to see my. Results!

[just chippen away]

I have been using the Q-tip for years. It work great with less waste and more control.

[puka pau]

To answer Glasstime's question directly, any bridge/holding device with a suction (not vacuum) cup can be used as a crack repair tool. We've been all over this subject at least twice in the past six or so months. I prefer to slide the bridge along the length ofthe crack. Although I've used numerous other crack filling techniques (and there are indisputably a half dozen or so) I find that using a sliding bridge is the most foolproof and presents the most professional image. Frankly, I'd be embarrassed to have anyone, particularily a customer, see me dripping resin on a crack from a bottle, syringe, or a Q-tip. But that's probably just me. Maybe I embarrass easily. However, I can think of at least one reason why other WSR tool vendors do not recommend using a sliding bridge.

A couple of decades ago a WSR tool vendor (who shall remain nameless) promoted his tools, methods and resins as the premier crack repair "system". After failing to convince other vendors to adopt his protocol(s) (and pay him a generous license fee in the bargain) he patented his methodology which consisted in part by sliding a bridge along the crack. As he now had a patent, he had to defend it and defend it he did by suing or threatening to sue anyone caught sliding a bridge or recommending the practice - WSR tool vendors and technicians alike. Naturally, the vast majority of tool vendors, not wanting to incur the wrath of said patent holder restrained themselves and refrained from recommending a sliding bridge as a crack repair methodology. So when tool vendors caution against sliding a bridge, take that advice with at least a grain of salt; unfortunately, we live in an excessively litigious society and whether or not this patent would stand the test of an infringment lawsuit, I'm sure you all understand why most if not all vendors would be loath to stick their necks out by recommending a sliding bridge as an industry standard technique. Having said that, said patent holder has insufficient resources to monitor each and every technician who repairs cracks, so fear not. Unless you just happen to ply your craft around the corner from him (and the vast majority of us don't), consider yourself safe from prying eyes - and lawsuits. I've been sliding a bridge for a few decades now and I never look over my shoulder and will continue to recommend a sliding bridge as the best all around methodology.

Cheers;

Puka Pau

[just chippen away]

Puka Pau
The rest of the story is that if you are doing long cracks and changing resins in the crack or using multiple injectors at the same time. That is were he is going to sue you to the hills. That is were his patent infringement falls in from what I have read and been told by others. Even from one that was sued to the hills. Using one resin from start to finish is not what he is after...

If you think we are ONLY using Q-tips to fill cracks, you are wrong.... We use them in conjunction with injectors and other techniques. Each crack is different....

[Brent Deines]

Puka Pau, I cannot speak for other manufacturers but I can tell you that our reasons for not recommending the sliding bridge technique have nothing to do with fear of being sued by a competitor. As just chippin away stated, there was much more to the law suits than just simply sliding the bridge, and by the way, there are still several manufacturers who do recommend that method.

We don't promote that practice because in doing so you apply pressure on the break as you slide the bridge, partially closing the crack at the point of contact. Behind the point of contact the crack returns to its natural state and draws air in from the surface even before you get it covered with curing film. Many of our customers who have used that method previously are amazed how much easier it is to keep air from returning to the crack if you don't slide.

The only time I am embarrassed with my techniques is if I don't get the break filled properly. Again, our recommendations are based on our experience, continued research, and what we believe produces the best results. Anything other reason would simply be foolish.

I've got no problem with people sliding a bridge if they are getting the cracks filled properly, and you should have no problem with someone who used s different technique as long as they get the crack filled properly. The proof is in the results!