Lego bricks are made from a type of plastic called “ABS”, and are best glued using epoxy cement. ABS solvent cement will also work, but may alter the shape of the material’s surface. Imitation glass, cheap toys, CD cases, and similar brittle, often clear plastic is usually “polystyrene” and can be glued using a number of adhesives. For best results, use a poly cement or a glue advertised for plastic bonding. Glue tough, hard plastic found in bottles, buckets, crates, and food containers using a product that specifically advertises the ability to bond “polyethylene” and “polypropylene”. These are impossible to glue by most normal methods, so don’t assume a product labeled “for plastic” will work unless it specifically mentions “polyethylene” or “polypropylene”.
Visit This to That for extensive advice on which glue to use for each combination of materials. This advice will be most helpful for common types of plastic, especially polystyrene. If you are unsure which to use, try testing an adhesive with scrap material of the same types, or in an unobtrusive corner of your object in need of gluing.
Avoid touching the piece with your bare hands afterward, to minimize oil residue.
See Selecting a Glue to learn which type of glue to use. You can skip this step if you are not using a two-part adhesive.
If you are using a solvent cement (not a poly cement or plastic cement), you should clamp the pieces together first, then use an applicator bottle to put a thin line of solvent cement along the edge between the pieces, where it will be drawn between them. [7] X Research source If you are using it on plastic pipes, see Gluing Plastic Pipes instead.
Many plastic adhesives continue to “cure”, or develop a stronger bond, for days or even weeks after application. Avoid applying stress and heat to the glued piece for at least 24 hours after application, even if the bond seems strong.
PVC pipe is common in residential plumbing, although it should not be used for distribution lines or other high-temperature applications. It is usually white, or grey if used for electrical or industrial purposes. Its recycling symbol is 6 or PVC. CPVC pipe is PVC pipe treated to withstand higher temperatures. It has an identical recycling symbol (6 or PVC) but is usually tan or cream colored. ABS is an older and more flexible type of plastic piping, usually black in color. It is not suitable for drinking water purposes and in some regions may not be legal for any plumbing uses. Its recycling symbol is 9, ABS, or 7 (other). PEX pipe is the newest type of plastic piping, available in many colors. It is not recyclable. It cannot be glued, and must be attached using mechanical fitting tools.
ABS solvent cement will join two ABS pipes together. PVC solvent cement and CPVC solvent cement similarly join two pipes of that type. Transition solvent cement is used to join an ABS pipe to a PVC pipe. Its distinctive green color makes it easy to identify. If you can’t find a more specialized product, universal solvent cement will do an okay job for any combination of PVC, CPVC, and ABS. You should still identify your pipe beforehand to rule out PEX pipe, which must be fitted instead of glued. Read the label of the solvent cement to make sure it will work on the size of pipe you’re using. To attach a plastic pipe to a metal one, you may need a specific adhesive for that specific plastic and specific metal combination, or a mechanical fitting method. Contact a plumber or hardware store employee for advice.
ABS solvent cement will join two ABS pipes together. PVC solvent cement and CPVC solvent cement similarly join two pipes of that type. Transition solvent cement is used to join an ABS pipe to a PVC pipe. Its distinctive green color makes it easy to identify. If you can’t find a more specialized product, universal solvent cement will do an okay job for any combination of PVC, CPVC, and ABS. You should still identify your pipe beforehand to rule out PEX pipe, which must be fitted instead of glued. Read the label of the solvent cement to make sure it will work on the size of pipe you’re using. To attach a plastic pipe to a metal one, you may need a specific adhesive for that specific plastic and specific metal combination, or a mechanical fitting method. Contact a plumber or hardware store employee for advice.
Flatten the sandpaper roll against the tube to match its shape before rubbing. If you don’t have sandpaper, use a file or remove the obvious burrs with a pocketknife.
