How to repair a latch (handle) on a shotgun shell drybox.

HOW TO REPAIR A DRY BOX HANDLE USING A PLASTIC WELDER
COST TO REPLACE NEW $17.99 + S&H $5.95 TOTAL $23.94
COST OF REPAIR .50 CENTS
Using a plastic welder. I was able to save $23.44

On this repair the latch has a crack on it. Which will not make the box water proof.
WORK AREA:
• Work area must clean and well ventilated.
• Setup plastic welder
• Set welder to preheat usually takes about 15 minutes to heat up.
SET UP:
• Plastic parts should be clean. {soap and water}
• Need to find out what type of plastic that we are working with. Usually look at the back of the part. Sometimes there will be a symbol telling you what kind of plastic you're working with. Unfortunately in this case there is no symbol.
• When there is no symbol we have 2 choices. 1) Try to weld different types of welding rods to the plastic to see which one sticks the best. 2) When I don't know the type of plastic I'm working with. I like to use Fiber-Flex welding rod. {I have not had any problems with Fiber-Flex sticking to any plastic.
• Set up your plastic parts that need welded.
• Set your welder to the right heat setting for the plastic being welded.
• Set your welding rods out and in reach.
• Have a bowl of water with a rag or a spray bottle. { I like to use a spray bottle because using a rag will make your weld rough} This is just to cool the plastic if it gets too hot and starts to deform.

PLASTIC WELD THE PART
• At the crack make a V-groove a long the entire crack.
• Fill in the V-groove with your filler rod {welding rod}
• Cut out steel mesh to cover the crack. Melt the steel mesh into the plastic.
• You may have to use a small tool to hold the steel mesh down into the plastic. Until the plastic cools a little 2 or 4 seconds.
• Using Fiber-Flex welding rod cover the steel mesh. Smooth it out as much as possible. This will cut down on sanding time.

FINISHING THE PART
• Sand the part just like you would do with wood. I start with 60 grit sandpaper and finish with 180 grit sandpaper.
• Now you may have to paint your repair too
• You will need to get paint made for plastic. Most stores carry the paint.
• I used clear gloss paint for this repair.
If you would like to see pictures of this operation. Please go to our site kandjwarehouse.com.
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KANDJWAREHOUSE.COM