TheProf

Hello,

I hope everyone is doing well.

Question: I've got a couple of small cracks on the laptop case (at the bottom) that I would like to repair. I'm worried they'll spread and already some gaps are resulting between components. I've tried super-gluing the cracks but it seems that it doesn't handle the stress as the cracks just reopened. Any recommendations? It is an ASUS laptop.

Thanks!

Plan9

Stop using your laptop to beat your wife.

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Pictures would be helpful. I'm not sure as to the location (at the bottom?), but I'm surprised the old cyanoacrylate didn't work. I've used it to repair a wide range of plastic items and it's always worked out pretty good. I think you may have to modify the area receiving the glue and clamp it immediately after application to best ensure a tight bond. Failing things like stippling, you could take the bottom off the laptop and patch it with a plate insert of some sort, either plastic or aluminum. Another option would be to use some kind of adhesive filler (JB Weld) and then sand it off.

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Or just use black duct tape.

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telekinetic

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Craven Morehead

Gorilla Glue maybe?

spindles

I have an asus laptop and I just stuck mine up with electrical tape - it looks crappy but is holding it together. I also just replaced it, so the look of it doesn't worry me

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Vigilante

I would remove the panel(s) that is cracked and repair it from the inside. Sand it rough inside and use 5 minute epoxy or gorilla glue, as mentioned. Use a q-tip with the end cut off (or a plastic fork tong, etc) to get a bead of glue along the edge as well, for a good bond.

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TheProf

Hello again,

As requested, I've uploaded a picture of the case with the two cracks circled. The issue, as you can see, is that they occur at points of high stress/load. So I think the reason why the super-glue isn't holding is because the force isn't directly perpendicular to the front between the surfaces, but instead is more of a shearing force, which super-glue isn't so good at holding.

I'm also not sure, as was recommended, if these spots can be sanded as they are rather thin and don't really overlap. i think the picture will help explain what I mean.

Thanks,

Attached Images

Laptop Bottom.JPG (89.5 KB, 26 views)

Vigilante

I see what you mean. See how much room you have inside the case when you have it assembled, and thicken with epoxy if you have the room. You may even want to use jbweld. Either way, if you can thicken, spread the epoxy down the length for a couple of inches both ways to add some torsional strength to the bond.

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remy1492

you have two choices depending on the type of plastic.
A plastic WELDER liquid, which like a hardcore modelling glue, literally melts the plastic, rebonding it and making an almost good as new seal.

Or like 9 said, a super glue, cyano type of glue that fills in pores and creates a bond by forming new, hard material.

If you get future cracks in plastic, drill a small circle hole (tiny drill bit) at the end of the crack to stop it spreading any further. We do this mostly for plastic covers, dashboards and panelling on our planes. Makes them last longer but looks like a shotgun went off.

Crack

This is just silly, I'd never fit in a laptop case... your point is moot.

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