Re-building glue bombs

[DR Dubois]

Just wondering how to take apart glue bombs and clean them up. Got lots of old kits and parts that would be awesome to re-use or re-build if possible.

Edited February 18, 2012 by DR Dubois

[JMChladek]

Depends on what glue was used. Super glue is pretty brittle when its old, so those are easy enough to clean up. For some kits glued together with tube glue, you can sometimes get the bonds to break by sticking them in the freezer for a few hours and then attacking with chisel blades and some quick taps with a hammer. I've also heard that paint strippers can sometimes help loosen glue joints (especially if the glue was used over a painted surface as the bond is never quite as good). But you may have to break out the knife blades and Dremel once in awhile anyway depending on how well (or poorly) built the model is.

[Mike Kucaba]

When ever I get built-ups and glue bombs they usually go right into the Super Clean for a refreshing,warm soak.

[Jon Cole]

Mineral Spirits... the original debonder!

[Chuck Most]

If you smell a citrus scent, you're in luck- that means non-toxic tube glue was used, and that's about the easiest stuff to work with as far as dismantling goes.

[Tonioseven]

First thing you need to do is send them to me; I'll take it from there.

[imatt88]

Love glue bombs!! I use this stuff called Glue Zapper. It smells like fuel oil, and it works great.

You can get it from a company called DMC, in Hammond, Louisiana.

They don't have a website that I know of, but I guess you can call them to order it.

(504)543-7976

HTH,

Cheers, Ian

[Austin T]

I usually stick it in the freezer overnight,then the next morning put it in a bucket of la's totally awesome for 1-2 days,Smooth sailing from there.

[Mike Kucaba]

It smells that way because basically that's what it is. For really tough joints you use mineral spirits. DON'T soak the part,just try and keep the joint wet(damp) with the stuff. It does work,but very slow. Don't expect mint plastic in the glued area though.

[JMChladek]

I would also be careful to soak ANYTHING in mineral spirits if the clear parts can't be removed easily as that stuff will etch clear plastic (assuming the clear plastic is salvageable in the first place).

[DR Dubois]

Thanx everyone for the tips. All are built with regular Testors glue (the old stuff). Another question though, what is Super Clean and where do you get yours? Is this the same stuff you can use for stripping the paint off? Again Thanx.

[Mike Kucaba]

Yes it is. I've stripped dozens of parts and models using it and sometimes the glued together parts just fall off in the tub. In my experience,it works better warm,say between 70-80 degrees F. I gey mine at auto parts stores, K-mart, and maybe Wal-Mart.You could also look for Purple Power too.

[DR Dubois]

Thanx a lot for the info. Maybe one of these days I'll actually find the time to get back to building and try these tips on the old junk I have. For now I'll keep browsing for ideas and more tips! Keep up the good work guys... Ha Ha! I called building models work.

[Guest Adamo]

Super Clean is a miracle liquid!!! Especially when restoring old kits!