Are there ways to fix a pvc enclosure?

Okay so im gonna be honest i was umm "incompasitated" wasn't myself and fell on the enclosure and cracked the side is there ways to fix that?

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Seeing the crack may help with suggestions.

I would guess an epoxy could do it. If it's cracked all the way through I'd push gently on one side of the cage to sperate the crack a bit and then push the epoxy into the crack. Release the pressure on the side and remove the excess epoxy.

I'll post pics

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...01038b39c8.jpg


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Thanks sunny! Yes those are the cracks if anyone has any suggestions im open

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They don't appear to be anything that will jeopardize the structural integrity to me. I think my epoxy idea would work to seal them.

You could also drill a small hole at the end of each run. This will keep the crack from spreading easily. Like they do on windshields when you get a crack. Just don't press hard with the drill to cause more cracking. After drilling the holes I'd fill the crack and the hole with epoxy to seal it up.

These are examples. A small bit should work fine.

https://youtu.be/H6tBd-wHLaQ

https://youtu.be/f83OVArf6iA

Myself I would go with something that has the ability to expand and contract. I like the idea of dead ending the crack. Over time though even with limited variation in temeratures for movement, I would feel better if the crack had a chance to move. Silicone, hot glue, etc. If by chance a pliable sealer didn't work out, it would be extremely easy to go an epoxy type route to repair the crack.

What?!?!?! No story???

Id just use Silicone... If there is a Structural problem id us a couple pieces of thin metal from LOWES (like the size of a popsicle stick) and use short bolts to zip it together.
(Like Stitches on your skin)

You might also be able to use PVC cement, like the type used for plumbing, which will chemically bond it together. This would definitely need time to air out though, and then I would suggest washing it before putting a snake back in to make sure there's no residue or fumes.

There is cement that bonds pvc together. PVC cement is something you can get at a hardware store and will permanently bond those cracks back together. You will need to unscrew the board from the enclosure if possible and then use the cement to seal the cracks together. It dries fast but you might want to give it a day to make sure it doesn't off gas.

What you want is Oatey heavy duty pvc cement. Basically you are doing the same thing you do with pvc pipes.

Silicone will not permanently bond to PVC and will just come off.

I think some are over thinking this. I understand these are the walls of the cage. As being such they are going to have very little stress put on them and I see no reason to use anything as serious as pvc cement. Not for a single cage but I wouldn't stack any other cages on it down the road.

I've used the PVC cement for plumbing(for plumbing projects) and honestly I would never put it on a snake cage. It will be hard to actually get in the cracks and I see it as just making a mess being a lot of work for little gain.

I'd go with something like this.

Gorilla Epoxy, .85 oz., Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Z3C3AG..._Ml6yAbGQFAE23

That product included this note.

"Gorilla Epoxy works well on PVC sheets, but is not recommended for use on PVC pipe or certain low surface energy plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), or certain types of rubber with high oil or plasticizer content."


If you want something more flexible because you beat your cages like a drum you could go with a silicone.

Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant 2.7-Ounce Tube (908570) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002BBX3U..._3n6yAb5D04VPM


On the side piece you could use a small piece of metal strap and small screws to reinforce it but it won't be pretty.

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Originally Posted by elleon

You might also be able to use PVC cement, like the type used for plumbing, which will chemically bond it together. This would definitely need time to air out though, and then I would suggest washing it before putting a snake back in to make sure there's no residue or fumes.

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This is the best advice. PVC can be easily WELDED! The best kind of repair is a welded repair. Just buy a small can of PVC primer, and a small can of PVC cement. The primer is by far the most important step, as the primer is what causes the PVC molecules to liquify and then re-harden, thus welding the PVC together. Just take a Q-tip and apply the primer to the cracks, make sure to apply to both sides until the crack is liquidy. Then while it is still wet, dab the q-tip in the pvc cement to make sure that any gaps are filled. (if there are no gaps at all, the glue is optional, it is the primer that causes the PVC bonding to itself.)

Buy clear primer, and not the purple stuff, to prevent staining.

Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area, when the snake is not in there. The PVC weld-joint will cure within minutes and it will safe to put the snake back, as the fumes will also dissipate within minutes.

I have been welding PVC for 20 years, and believe me this, is WAY better than epoxy, silicone, glue or any other advice given above. Which will all be an inferior repair.

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

I have been welding PVC for 20 years, and believe me this, is WAY better than epoxy, silicone, glue or any other advice given above. Which will all be an inferior repair.

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I was hoping you would chime in. see welding is the best option, taking form someone who knows ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

I was hoping you would chime in. see welding is the best option, taking form someone who knows ;)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

There is cement that bonds pvc together. PVC cement is something you can get at a hardware store and will permanently bond those cracks back together. You will need to unscrew the board from the enclosure if possible and then use the cement to seal the cracks together. It dries fast but you might want to give it a day to make sure it doesn't off gas.

What you want is Oatey heavy duty pvc cement. Basically you are doing the same thing you do with pvc pipes.

Silicone will not permanently bond to PVC and will just come off.

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The best yes.. I agree with you. Maybe not the easiest for a laymen though that needs the enclosure as we speak.
As far as Silicone.
I've been using (Bath n Kitchen Clear) for years and never had it come of as you said it will. It holds all my Thermometer probes to the walls and floors and if a 117 lb Burmese never ripped it off then using it on a crack will stick fine. I also use it to fill old Drilled power cord holes in AP enclosures up to 1/2". Still there never has pealed.

Here is one more way - what I actually did when I cracked one side of a PVC cage:

I went to a sign shop and asked for "Sintra" closed cell PVC - they knew what I was talking about - same material used in PVC cages. I bought a small piece of scrap they had. About 6mm (roughly 1/4 inch) thick.

At home, use a straight-edge and a utility knife and score the piece to a size that will cover the crack at least an inch on each side, or more if you want. Keep scoring the PVC until you can more easily bend it to snap it, or just use a saw, whatever works for you. Sand it to get smooth edges. Shape it how you want. You can get creative and make a 1/4 moon, a lightening bolt, whatever you want. Epescially if using a jig saw to cut the piece.

Get some regular PVC cement - the kind used for PVC plumbing - glue the patch on (inside the cage or outside, whichever you want). Just hold it down for about 2 minutes, it will grab.

This will give you a super strong repair. And since it is the same PVC material, it expands and shrinks with the cage material.:)