Tip: Sugru

[abarrow]

I thought I'd pass information on a product I found recently. It's called "Sugru". It's moldable rubber, coming in little packets that you open, knead between your fingers for a while (it makes a ball of stuff about 3/4" diameter), then form it around something that needs a fairly strong rubber covering. For example, I just used it in the repair of my flexible windlass control cable, where the wire meets the connector. After kneading, you can work it for about half and hour, then let it set overnight. It creates a strong, somewhat flexible, waterproof connection. I've seen it used for anything from new bicycle grips, to repair of wire strain relief, to little bumpers on the edges of cell phones. Much stronger than silicone rubber, and actually has some structural strength.

Very cool stuff. I originally got some, wondering what I'd do with it. Now my supply is nearly exhausted and I'm ordering more!

Here's a link: http://sugru.com/

 

[Benny17441]

We had a similar product years ago, it was called chewing gum. I don't doubt this Sugru may have some uses but I just think there are a slew of products in the market that could create a strong but flexible and waterproof covers. I was just turned off at the mention of a seemingly required 30 minutes of kneading.

 

[Ted]

Benny, I think you misunderstood the directions. You only have to knead it for a minute and then you have 30 minutes of working time before it starts to cure. Here is the actual explanation.

"When you unpack Sugru it's best practice to knead it for about a minute. It makes the Sugru softer and easier to mold. That's all you need to do to get it ready to use.

The safe exposure time to air before curing starts is about half an hour, but kneading it now and then again can stretch that timeframe. I did that when I worked on a big project and the Sugru stayed workable for I think about an hour. So you have at least 30 min. to work with it."

 

[rgranger]

That sounds like something I would use. I just ordered a three pack. Thanks for the tip. I can think of a few things to try it on already.

... I have also found that "Goop" is a useful thing for a DIY boat owner. You can make a dam with plumbers putty or masking tape, pour in some Goop and let it harden. You have a nice, hard, rubbery gasket that can be trimmed with a sharp knife.

 

[Benny17441]

Benny, I think you misunderstood the directions. You only have to knead it for a minute and then you have 30 minutes of working time before it starts to cure. Here is the actual explanation.

"When you unpack Sugru it's best practice to knead it for about a minute. It makes the Sugru softer and easier to mold. That's all you need to do to get it ready to use.

The safe exposure time to air before curing starts is about half an hour, but kneading it now and then again can stretch that timeframe. I did that when I worked on a big project and the Sugru stayed workable for I think about an hour. So you have at least 30 min. to work with it."

Yes I totally misread it; the product would not had made any sense otherwise.