Drying Cracks

[repare-brise]

Does anyone have a sure-fire way of drying cracks(other than heat guns, or waiting until we get a nice day, tried both of those). We use compressed air cans used for computer repair, with some success, but there is always room for improvement.

FYI climatic conditions are snow or rain almost every day with temps running between 25 an 35f(when we get sun it's in the 10's or lower).

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[Delta Kits]

Yup, moisture evaporator.

20 second cycles, 1-2 cycles typically required. We've converted quite a few heat gun/dry out solution/waiting guys.

[CV Windshield Repair]

What are the chances of the break spreading with the evaporater? How many cycles do you have to do to insure that the break is completely dry?

[screenman]

Magic wand!!! I tend to use compressed air from a compressor which of course needs to be drained daily. I also use the drystar which I think is a great tool but takes a bit of time on long cracks. I like to keep the surrounding glass cool or even cold when using the drystar as it allows the damage to cool down again quicker. Somebody asked how many cycles do you need to make sure crack is dry, how long is a piece of string, moisture in cracks is one of the easiest things to see experience will tell you when there is none left in it.
If you cannot recognise moisture in a crack or other sort of damage, then make a practise repair and watch what it looks like and how it changes when you add moisture.

[maxryde]

We allways stop a crack with the drill and pop process before drying so the thing dosn't run out on you. The drystar is good but I use a mini torch for speed and convenience, it's a ready source of heat and it is there on the job allways. (I keep one in my pocket 24/7) In cold weather I have to wait for the shield to warm using the car's heater so while I am waiting I just stop the crack and then clean and dry the work area and proceed on the repair. Etc...
Jeff you guys sell a torch and your thoughts on it's use?

[screenman]

I also drill and pop a crack and for 16 years I used a blow torch until Jeff forced me under pressure to buy a chip dryer. The torch still gets used but only in about 1 in 50 cases. I think the chip dryer is quicker due to the fact that it gets heat exactly where you want it to and keeps it in a small area, allowing that area to cool quicker and you can either do anothe cycle or if its dry do the repair. The compressed air method which will dry out most 12 inch cracks in about 2 or 3 minutes will also dry out the seal around the screen, If you do not get the water out of this capilery action will just suck it back up or down the crack as you dry it. Assuming the screen is a rubber mount and not bonded. I know before anyone shouts most car screens are bonded but I do a lot of trucks and buses and some of them are not.

[sunshine wr]

I've just recently started using the Bernzomatic flexible utility lighter. I like it , no power needed, it burns a torch type flame. I havn't pulled out the drystar sence I got it. http://www.bernzomatic.com

[Delta Kits]

What are the chances of the break spreading with the evaporater? How many cycles do you have to do to insure that the break is completely dry?

Good questions! There is always a risk of spreading breaks further using heat. We've done extensive testing with our moisture evaporator, and the risk is low using 20 second cycles. The risk is considerably lower than using a torch or equivalent. Cycles definitely depends. I've found two cycles takes care of almost all breaks here in the NW. Make sure you're able to tell the difference between a wet and dry break.

Jeff you guys sell a torch and your thoughts on it's use?

Works just fine, much more dangerous though. Personally, at best I see it shaving 30 seconds off of evaporation time, so to me there's no point.

[repare-brise]

Thanks for all the reply's, I too use the method described by Screenman(the forum's moisture expert par excellance!) but was just thinking out loud if there was a better way(and mostly one that was 100% fool proof to teach to students). As for the drystar vs the torch, I too find the torch faster, but it's not 2 mins that's going to change my day, but a broken WS will definatly change my day.

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