I'm down south and can't get to a kitesurf shop to get a repair kit. The base of the valve for the leading edge bladder is coming away from the bladder - I've got a Bunnings nearby, what's the best glue for reattaching it? Just any type of plastic/rubber glue?
I have used glue which is suitable for swimming pools etc in the past and this has worked fine.
This product works extremely well. www.kitepower.com.au/collections/kitesurfing/SPGeneral
Selleys polyurethane, might work, but it foams as it cures and can leave tracks for air to leak. Sikaflex make a clear non foaming polyurethane glue, some Bunnings stores stock it, otherwise try Repco or a motor parts retailer.
The only issue I have with glue is the time it takes for anything that works, to cure, usually 6-8hrs minimum.
Stick on replacement valves work really well, and you can be back on the water in 30 mins. We have been trialling another excellent product that we will be stocking call a "Valve Trap", news on that soon, keep an eye on the website or subscribe to our weekly news.
Haven't tried Stormsure, but Aqua Seal definitely works. Expensive, but it works. ($35 for a little tube, sold at dive shops) And if you don't use it all within 6 mo, it's goes all hard in the tube. Selleys stuff from Bunnings will work in a pinch, but not great. The key thing is to make sure there are no bubbles as Steve (Kitepower says) ($16/tube)
Put a 5kg barbell over the valve while it's drying to make sure you get a good seal but make certain the glue doesn't end up on the other side of the bladder or you're stuffed.
http://intheloopkiteboarding.myshopify.com/products/dr-tuba-valvefix-kit-xl
Stick on usually Valves work the best if you additionally use some glue around the valves edges but if you have an older kite with older bladders they dont stick sometimes. It also depends on UV in your area as well as bladder material.
Dr tuba is releasing a new glue/stick on Valves that actually stick more the hotter the bladder/Valves get.
