Gluing

sidersdd

Ugh - cardinal sin of building with LEGO. However, the Indianapolis Children's Museum is reaching out to our LUG for building some models for them as part of their upcoming LEGO exhibit. They have three models they'd like built (car, boat, plane), that would essentially be props handled by some "actors" in their exhibit. They really want to make sure the models aren't constantly falling apart and needing repair as they are being handled. So they've requested they be glued. I'm just not familiar with the gluing process and issues (what glue to use, what tools/techniques, how much time to allocate, and what problems arise when needing to unglue to fix/modify a model). Anyone with experience here who can suggest approaches?

The_Brick_Builder

I'm not an expert, but use a super glue that will not corrode ABS Plastic. Try this link http://www.ehow.com/how_7723416_glue-legos-together.html

BeardedCastleGuy

I know in the somewhat distant past that there have been interviews with folks that work in (or perhaps previously worked in) the LEGO model shops, those interviews may be your best next step in tracking down information about the process and which glues are safe to use on the bricks.

LegobrandonCP

I've seen a video where LEGO Certified Professional Sean Kenney was gluing a huge model he build for a company, I am too lazy don't have time to find it at the moment, but go check out his YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/seankenney/videos. Nathan Sawaya also glues his models together, check out his site http://brickartist.com/

akunthita

I can't remember where I saw this video, but there was a guy who was building massive LEGO models (I remember a polar-bear as one) for display and he used regular school glue. The benefit of this method is little risk to your health and your LEGO.

LegobrandonCP

^Yep, Sean Kenney built a massive polar bear for a zoo exhibit and they used regular Elmer's School glue as seen in the photo: http://www.seankenney.com/portfolio/polar_bear/large/w1.jpg Look at the bottom left hand corner of the image.

sidersdd

Interesting. I wouldn't have thought Elmer's glue would hold. Will need to try.

LegobrandonCP

Me too, Elmer's glue isn't all that strong in my opinion.

legoDad

Bein' a old school model builder back in the day, I'd say some good model glue from Testors. I looked online and a couple of people recommended Oatey all-purpose glue/cement and Pro-Weld (made for ABS plastic).
I've used Elmer's on a couple of my models for little parts that pop off when playing. Dries clean and is not permanent. When you want to take the glued sections apart again, it pops off easy (just a little tension), no residue (flakes off clean) and no harm to the bricks. I just use a dot of Elmers for whatever section needs it.

Huw

I wouldn't recommend super glue as its fumes can lead to white lines/deposits being left on the sides of the parts.

MEK is used by the model shops but it is not particularly safe, as you will read.

Matthew

Duncan and Ed at Bright Bricks made the Christmas tree for St Pancreas station, which was glued. I think @Martin might be able to get us some info?

bluemoose

Like Huw said, MEK ( see Huw's link above ) is usually recommended as the best overall solvent-based welding agent for ABS. It's not a nice substance, but OK if you're using it in small quantities in a very well ventilated area. If you're going to use it lots, then you should look into a professional fume removal system. You'll also need to find a safe way to store it. Applying it properly, to avoid making a mess, is a skill that takes some time & practice to develop. It's what the Legoland model shops use; they looked at less toxic alternatives, but they just don't work as well.

caperberry

I too have to glue a model :o( I feel dirty inside.

I was thinking of trying this; anyone used it or have thoughts?

Bluefox1966

Does anyone know the best no evasive glue to stick a structure together with that will not damage the brick when you eventually come to dismantle the model. i.e. a glue that will melt before the brick is damaged.

ChanMcL

using hot glue gun I think, its strong, and its easy enough just to pull it apart.

Bluefox1966

ChanMcL said:

using hot glue gun I think, its strong, and its easy enough just to pull it apart.

I've never used one are all the glues the same in a hot glue gun?

Bustin

No there is a low temperature that works best for small models and things like that. Make sure you get a corresponding low temperature gun so that if you touch a Lego with the tip it doesn't melt the Lego.

Bluefox1966

Bustin said:

No there is a low temperature that works best for small models and things like that. Make sure you get a corresponding low temperature gun so that if you touch a Lego with the tip it doesn't melt the Lego.

Thanks for the tip. I'll go to my local B&Q tomorrow.

AFFOL_Shellz_Bellz

If the pieces for the display will be used short term, say a week or less from all I've read the Elmers is sufficient, but if it needs to be used long term I'd look for another solution.

Bluefox1966

I read Elmer's is like a PVA glue can anyone confirm that it is any good?

Bustin

I remember reading somewhere someone just used candle wax. It gets hot but cools so fast that it doesn't melt the Lego. Plus it is so brittle that afterwards it can be removed just by scraping it with your finger nail.

ChanMcL

^if u need to wash it away, just need warm water too!

hoyatables

Any suggestions for the best way to remove glue without damaging the bricks? I didn't glue these bricks so not sure what glue was used (guessing it is Krazy glue - it's certainly clear and very strong). Thanks in advance.

cavegod

if it has been MEK'd its not coming apart again

ChanMcL

@hoyatables

http://thebrickblogger.com/2011/01/lego-glued-magnet-removal/

That link provides how to remove mini figures on the magnet base, but it might help you.

bimmerland

Recently saw a video on discovery where a lego engineer used an adhesive to permanently bond pieces together. What is the best type of adhesive to use to make a lego project permanent. Thanks

madforLEGO

BLASPHEMY!!!!!!!
lol, Seriously though I'm not sure you will get very many answers on this.
I think most generally regard gluing brick together as a no-no...

samiam391

bimmerland said:

Recently saw a video on discovery where a lego engineer used an adhesive to permanently bond pieces together. What is the best type of adhesive to use to make a lego project permanent. Thanks

Putting the LEGO pieces on top of each other. They have studs that hold them together. ;-)

Just kidding, sort of....

But as @madforLEGO already said, I don't think you'll find too many people that will take kindly to gluing bricks together.

I feel dirty just saying that..

CCC

They are your bricks, do what you like with them. Butanone or MEK (methyl-ethyl-ketone) is good.

akunthita

LEGO designers themselves glue LEGO together, so the process is pretty official....(c;

As far as what to use as @CCC said - that's what LEGO uses as well for their glued models, but those are pretty nasty. Make sure you have good ventillation and a face-mask if you use them.

I also highly recommend standard white school-glue. It is gentle on you and your LEGO bricks, and they do create a good bond. Many LEGO sculpture builders use them, even for very large sculptures. The bonding is not permanent as with the other methods, but it is strong, and won't damage your LEGO. If you ever want to take the model aparts you can....(c;

UKtsumi

"standard white school-glue" - is that PVA?

samiam391

akunthita said:

LEGO designers themselves glue LEGO together, so the process is pretty official....(c;
;

The words still make me shiver.

And as I'm sure @bimmerland knew, I was merely joking :-)

bimmerland

What are these pieces made of PVC? There are a lot of CA adhesives on the market for all kinds of materials. Can somebody help me find out what these bricks are made of. I am an ardent RC modeler so I am very familiar with CA. Thanks in advance for your help.

jockosjungle

You can;t snap a piece off at legoland, I have tried. So they must glue them

madforLEGO

^---vandal...lol

Joseph

^^^ Most pieces are made from ABS plastic.

bimmerland

What the best CA glue for ABS? Thanks

Joseph

^ I'm not really sure as there are quite a few options; this thread might help some though: http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/3640/gluing

AFFOL_Shellz_Bellz

Threw away several bits of Lego that were glued with something that would not release at all! Grrrrrr!!!!

peterlinddk

LEGO-bricks are made from ABS, but most glues that work on PVC also works on ABS.
MEK is the goto-glue - it creates a permanent bond (the bricks will break before becoming unglued) it doesn't leave any residue, but it is very toxic to inhale the fumes.

If you are just gluing a few pieces, you can use acetone (nail-polish remover). Dip a q-tip in some, and swab the two surfaces that needs to be glues, before pressing them together. Works great for repairing broken plates!

I've had some luck with (PVC) rain-gutter glue. It is rather thick, and is diffucult to dose, but it works great.

For gluing LEGObricks to other surfaces, I recommend hot glue from a glue-gun (silicone).

cavegod

I use mek, you can buy it on ebay.

legoleppy

I know this is very taboo but what type of glue would you recommend to glue pieces together? These are for my wedding cake topper that I MOCed of a bride a groom. I do not plan to take these apart, I just don't want to use a glue that will harm (melt?) the pieces in the years to come.

truk

I have had great luck with Zap-a-gap (mostly for plastic model building, but it may have come in contact with a few Lego bricks at one point or another).

There are several types, but I like the kind with the green label. I have not seen it mess up the plastic away from the glue spots, but if you over-do it, you might see some discoloring/warping where it seeped out.

graphite

From a quick google search I saw mention of a plumbers ABS glue which obviously would be safe for ABS.

CCC

MEK or methyl ethyl ketone or butanone. It is from the same family as acetone. It melts (dissolves in reality) the surface slightly which welds to the other part.

Plumbers solvent weld works in the same way.

akunthita

Besides the suggestions above, simplye white school-glue works really well. Even professional LEGO model builders use it. It is non-toxic and won't harm your LEGO bricks...(c:

legoleppy

@akynthita- since I am teacher, I will try that! Thanks for the inputs!

SirBen

The other day I was repairing a (non-LEGO) plastic model stand using Testors® Cement for Plastic Models. While using it I noticed that it specifically formulated for polystyrene and ABS plastic, and shuddered at the though of it getting anywhere near my LEGO. It set up quickly and seem to have formed a strong bond.

bricksan

For MOCs I plan on displaying, I always buy for the specific set so happy to glue certain parts as they little fingers (and big) can break stuff. For glueing I have found poly cement the best. The stuff you use for building airfix kits up.

MorkMan

I did the dirty deed. And it felt great to do it!
I used regular nail polish (80% Acetate). I poured it into the cap and used a cotton swab (Q-tip) to lightly coat the inside of the receiving pieces. Almost instant bonding.
I made keychains as take home items for my son's birthday party, I don't want them broken apart the minute the kids get them, and many have young siblings, so I'm justifying it that way.
Nevertheless, I would tell you that if you are going to do it, have all your pieces laid out and ready. You don't get too much time to bond them, and any drips of nail polish will ruin the finish on the pieces. Less is more, but not too little, either.