How To: Accelerator and Super Glue

ajlafleche wrote:

I don't knowhow testor's suggests its product's use. I use Zip-Kicker. Whil lit comes with a spray bottle, I toss the sprayer away. I apply super glue (Zap-A-Gap) and then use a toothpick, piece of wire or a techniclpencil  to put a tiny drop on the glue.

Yes, that is correct - apply the accellerator after the two parts are joined.

If you apply the accellerator to the glue before joining, it (the glue) will instantly cure in a lump.

If you apply the accellerator to the unglued side of the join and then apply the part with the glue on it, it will set up before you have a chance to properly align the part.

Also keep in mind that if you use the spray, even though the residue may dry and dissapear, the kicker is till active. Building my X-Wing I used the spray can of Kicker since I was gluing large areas. When I would go to attach a piece to, say the wing, where I had used kicker a few minutes before, the glue would cure instantly! So be mindful of surronding areas when using Kicker.

A really useful tool I've found is a "mini-loop applicator" they have over at Micromark

http://www.micromark.com/MINI-LOOP-APPLICATOR,7807.html

This is actually a very small surgical curette, (repackaged and marked up as a hobby tool like so many of our tools), and one side is slightly sharp...so it can double as a small scraping tool as well. If you gunk it up, just run a needle through it.

Hi,

I just got hold of a can of this Zip Kicker, is it possible to decant it as it dosent have anything like a tube applicator with it so if I spray it I get too much coverage?

I use an old paint brush to dab on the "kicker" after the CA has been applied and the part if situated where I want it.  Works great.

Bob

So do I spray some into a container to then dip my brush into?

Sorry for the most likely questions

I made a tool that I use to apply both CA AND the accelerator.  I took a large sewing needle and mounted the point into a length of dowel.  Then I ground the eye of the needle in half with a dremel tool and thin abrasive disk, leaving a small fork shape.  The fork holds a drop of glue or accelerator.  When used for glue, there is always residue left on- I clean it off with an X-acto knife.  When used for the accelerator the residue evaporates and self cleans.  Just do not use it for glue again for a couple of minutes.

Don, I use a technique for cleaning an identical tool I made for applying CA.  I've never tried using to apply kicker, but I will now.  As I'm sure you know, dried CA has a tendency to build up on the tip.  I've discovered that holding the tip in the flame of a Bic lighter will almost instantly burn off the excess CA.  I then take a little fine sand paper and remove the carbon.  This might also work for burning off the kicker.

Just a thought.

Bob

I understand about the appicator, it's just that the Zip Kicker I have is in an aerosol can, so can I spray some into a container and then dip into it to apply it to the area I want to use it?

AdrianUK

I understand about the appicator, it's just that the Zip Kicker I have is in an aerosol can, so can I spray some into a container and then dip into it to apply it to the area I want to use it?

I use CA in a non aerosol sprayer, a manual sprayer.  If one presses the cap slow enough, the stuff just dribbles out, and I can press the applicator tip near the spray opening so that the stuff just runs down on the applicator.

The spray they are talking about is a pump button sprayer. Not a pressurized spray can. The spray cans are used on large areas on RC planes, cars, etc. You can buy kicker in a bottler with a pump sprayer or just a screw top.

I guess I have bought the spray can for nothing, oh well, went and bought the bottle to use as well :)