Repairing Latex seals

[Chris B]

Hi all,

was wondering if anyone had any experiences with repairing pin holes in latex seals....? Have tried patching but there seems to be just too much flex in the material for them to hold.

I have just had these renewed so loathed to spend another load of money/hassle just because of 2 tiny holes

Ideas apprecaited

Thanks

Chris B

[NickB]

When you say you've patched them, do you mean with a bicycle inner tube patch?

I made a few repairs like this and they've always been successful. I always keep a bike repair kit in with my dive gear.

[Chris B]

Quote: (Originally Posted by NickB)

When you say you've patched them, do you mean with a bicycle inner tube patch?

I made a few repairs like this and they've always been successful. I always keep a bike repair kit in with my dive gear.

Yes, this is what I tried (I have a lot of them ) what glue did you use.....?

Chris B

[TommyL]

Hi.

i use a 50/50 with Aquaseal and cotol 240works every time

[NickB]

I use the regular vulcanising solution that comes with the kit.

I'm concerned there might be a 'Grandmother/Egg sucking' scenario here but: rough-up the area to be patched and make sure it's spotless (Cotol is good). Smear on a thin layer of vulcanising solution and let it dry completely. Repeat, then stick the patch on, preferably one of those feathered-edge ones. Apply pressuere and leave it to cure for as long as you can.

I guess the success depends on how close the hole is to the end of the seal. The closer it is, the more stretching it'll be subjected to.

[Chris B]

Quote: (Originally Posted by TommyL)

Hi.

i use a 50/50 with Aquaseal and cotol 240works every time

I used the in-the-box vulcanising solution first time around and didnt have any feather edge patches.....lasted one dive. This time I have the heavy glue out, same as yourself but cut a V large strip of inner tube to reinforce the whole area.

Let you know if my hands stay dry over the weekend! (I have 2 seals, the outer one, which this is goes to my cuff ring)

Thanks Chaps

[Chris B]

Quote: (Originally Posted by NickB)

I'm concerned there might be a 'Grandmother/Egg sucking' scenario here

You're never too old to ask....and if you only learn that what you knew is whats now known, you know that what you knew is not new but still currently the best known.

[NickB]

Quote: (Originally Posted by Chris B)

You're never too old to ask....and if you only learn that what you knew is whats now known, you know that what you knew is not new but still currently the best known.

Are you related to Donald Rumsfeld?

[Roel]

Quote: (Originally Posted by TommyL)

Hi.

i use a 50/50 with Aquaseal and cotol 240works every time

And for how many dives do they hold normally?

I repaired a seal like that last week but I do not feel very comfortable it will hold for a long time

[TommyL]

Quote: (Originally Posted by Roel)

And for how many dives do they hold normally?

I repaired a seal like that last week but I do not feel very comfortable it will hold for a long time

i used it on my neckseal on my old suit as well, had 50-60 dives befor i sold it, but the glueing vere still perfect, and think it still is.

I used this solution to fiks one of my wings as well, still going strong , 60++ dives on it.

PS: the 50/50 mix is diveready in apr. 2 hours, i have it always with me, it has saved a nice wreckdive dive already.