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Hi guys, if you've looked in my build thread you know I'm refurbishing some soft top latches.
I tried to do the self tapping screw trick on the catches in my 10 minute break today... Bad idea:

I'm not great with power tools...

Anyway, I was wondering about those metal putties like the one that Jb weld and similar make.
Has anyone used them before? Are they complete rubbish? Recommend a certain brand?

My idea is to fill my mistakes with it and build up a bit on top of that to compensate for the wear.
I thought it might actually be better than using a steel screw as the putty would be softer and not damage the aluminium latch it engages with.

I've used the putty.

It sets like a badly made cast part, strong enough under compression but it can break easily if it's bent.

It's also fairly average at sticking to flat surfaces.


If you put the screw in and build the putty around it it would probably work, as the bolt would support it.

hks_kansei wrote:It's also fairly average at sticking to flat surfaces.

Ahhhh, thanks for the heads up. I think my mauled catch might fair better in that regard since there's quite a bit more surface area for the putty to grab. The mauling is so bad that there's no chance of me getting a screw in there, though.

Sounds promising, my main concern would be that it would simply wear away after a few uses.

have sent another reply

Sorry that reply didn't work.
Google Rapid Fix and Durafix for youtube demos and it can be bought localy.
My son uses the Rapid Fix on his racing radio control cars

Red Dragon wrote:Sorry that reply didn't work.
Google Rapid Fix and Durafix for youtube demos and it can be bought localy.
My son uses the Rapid Fix on his racing radio control cars

Any idea where to buy Durafix locally Red Dragon? Looks interesting and would come in handy quite often methinks. Can only find it on eBay UK or as a mail order thing (Hello 1997).

Plenty of similar products out there.

I think this might suit your needs perfectly!

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Produc ... y-56g/0467

You can get rapidfix "everywhere" - they usually have the little video playing on counters in shops that sell anything remotely tool-based, and the stand is yellow.

The bendigo I've seen the display in Bendigo Bearings and also in Bolts & Fasteners, a few other places I don't recall off the top of my head right now and I'm pretty sure Repco here in Maryborough.

I don't think they have a distribution deal, jsut a salesman that goes around and sets up displays in shops.

G'Day SMY
Durafix is online from W.A.
If you go to their website you will find an order box
For other info ring 1800 89 79 30

Rapid Fix price varies from place to place if you buy it in 10ml bottle kit is on average $28 including postage.
My 25ml bottle kit cost $48.95 from Narre Warren including postage

Think of jb weld like epoxy: strong but brittle.
I have some, and a tap and die set if you're in sydney.
Edit: just saw you're in Melbourne.

Thanks everyone

Tigger wrote:Think of jb weld like epoxy: strong but brittle.
I have some, and a tap and die set if you're in sydney.
Edit: just saw you're in Melbourne.

I'm planning to use the putty stuff to build up the surface instead of using the screw (which is the classic trick).

I'll grab some of the stuff Nevyn posted (or similar) and give it a shot. If it works then it's a really easy way to fix latches that no longer lock closed.

Still interested in Durafix as it's a different thing altogether.

Durafix etc are essentially cyanoacrylate and bicarbonate soda.

(Superglue and bicarb)


I've used the superglue bicarb mix before, and it works well. Bear in mind the resulting resin stays somewhat soft, not like silicone, but not hard like epoxy, somewhere between.
Bear in mind, I used the general ingredients, the shop made durafix stuff may have additives to make it set harder.

It's a good thing for quick fixes, just watch out since the reaction generates a fair bit of heat for its size. (Give it a minute before touching so you don't burn yourself)

We might be talking about different things here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jijW310xvp4

That durafix welding rod looks fantastic.

I have used Devcon for years to seal up ports and repair rotary housings and its stronger then the aluminium when its set.
I would definitely be using this on soft top latches. You can get a 5 min setting one as well.

https://zoxoro.com.au/Products/Devcon-5 ... vAodM6MPEA

Richard.