Just bought an old C kite that has all the inflate valves peeling away from the bladders. Ten new inflate valves are going to cost as much as the kite is worth.
My question, is it possible to glue the old valves back on, what type of glue? Brand?
Any information is greatly appreciated.
An unlucky purchase! In the past I have used clear aquaseal(diver's wet suit glue).
I dare say though other people may have some more up to date recommendations. The trick is to glue the value then keep it under pressure by putting a small steel cylinder over the valve then a weight over that. The cost of new stick-on valves is not viable due to your purchase cost as you state.
I've used stormsure to do some valve repairs and also repaired a large hole in a bladder with it
Got it from Clark rubber around $15 a tube,one hint after you use it put the unused glue in the freezer so it won't go off , then when you need it again just take out and let it thaw out
Hope this helps. Good luck with the repairs
Saul
Thats a bummer, Stormsure glue works best, get the larger tube $9.95
www.kitepower.com.au/collections/kitesurfing/SPGeneral
Remove the bladder from the kite completely, and clean the valves and bladder with alcohol wipes, apply a bead of glue around the base of the valve ans place onto the bladder wind some weights like sockets that will sit over the valves and then leave for 5-8hrs or overnight. They will be stuck tight, then refit the bladders. Test inflate the bladders if any of the glued valves look like they may have an air track. Spray with a mix of water and detergent, any leaks will be clearly visible.
I used Selleys Urethane bond to glue 12 valves on a North kite about six months ago .Make sure you clean off all the old glue using the alcohol wipes and give the bladder and valve surfaces a rub with some wet and dry sandpaper .Also cut up some pieces of paper about 100mm square and place inside the bladder to stop any excess glue accidently gluing the bladder together. Use a weight to push on the valve while the glue goes off. Best to leave it over night. Of the 12 valves I had two that leaked and they were easily found after inflating the kite and spraying on a mixture of detergent and water. Fixed them buy gluing a piece of old bladder material on top of the valve. I've had no problems since
I used a sikaflex glue/sealant product, water proof, uv proof, and in my opinion: bomb proof
Any glue that is polyurethane based works, Stormsure, that we sell is polyurethane, and comes in small tubes.
The only problem is once its opened, the whole tube goes hard within a couple of weeks.
I'll try the freezer trick though.
