newfoundmass Posted November 22, 2019 Share Posted November 22, 2019 So I picked up a 1560 Pelican case for dirt cheap after having used an off brand version. It was used to store computers, but I'd like to use it to store video equipment. It's in really good condition, the problem is the case has been modified with five holes, two for power cables and three for ethernet cables. Does anyone have any experience with patching holes in Pelican cases? I'm not too concerned about making them submerge proof, but I'd like to make them as water resistant as possible. Any ideas / suggestions would be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tupp Posted November 22, 2019 Share Posted November 22, 2019 I would try PC-7 epoxy, or J-B Weld or plumber's epoxy. PC-7 is probably the strongest, but plumber's epoxy is readily available at most hardware stores. newfoundmass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kye Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Definitely something that it 2-part so that it's curing to form a strong bond. You could also try doing a double layer where you cut out things that will fit in flush (glued with epoxy) and then sand them flat and epoxy on patches over the top of that. Then it's two glue-ups that are protecting it rather than one. newfoundmass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfoundmass Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 What would you recommend I cut? Maybe PVC? Another friend also suggested that foam insolation that expands, and then sand it down before adding a layer of Epoxy. Another one suggested filling the hole with Epoxy, sanding it down, and then adding another layer or two of Epoxy. As long as it's water resistant I'll be happy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kye Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 I'd suggest trying to get a material that has roughly the same properties as what the case is made of. It should be easily googlable and likely you can buy it in a hobby shop or ebay. The point of that is partly that Pelican would have chosen a well suited material, but also you want something that is as similar as possible so that it expands and contracts the same when heating up and cooling down and is a bit flexible if dropped etc. I'm not sure about expanding foam or just using epoxy but if they've got the right properties then go for it. I'd imagine there'd be lots online about it. newfoundmass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tupp Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 No need to overthink this patching job. Get some PC-7 or plumber's epoxy and try it on a hole. If it needs reinforcing, drill it out and try it again with reinforcement. Plumber's epoxy is more of a hard putty, so it will hold it's shape when curing (which only takes around 5 minutes). newfoundmass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfoundmass Posted November 24, 2019 Author Share Posted November 24, 2019 Most of the plumbers Epoxy putty I'm seeing says not for use on polypropylene, which is what the cases are made of. Should I try anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfoundmass Posted November 24, 2019 Author Share Posted November 24, 2019 J-B Weld Plastic Bonder allegedly works, but would I need something to bond to it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tupp Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 Don't use an epoxy that doesn't bond with the case material (polypropylene). PC-7 adheres to a lot of materials, but not polypropylene. J-B Weld epoxy is good, but it is more like a liquid than a hard putty. I don't know much about J-B Welder Plastic Bonder, but I read that it work on polypropylene. If it is not as strong as (or more brittle than) PC-7, J-B Weld or plumbers epoxy, perhaps the J-B Weld Bonder could be used just to coat the areas on the Pelican case that you wish to adhere the stronger epoxy. Sand the J-B Weld Bonder after it has cured to create rough texture for the stronger epoxy. newfoundmass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfoundmass Posted November 27, 2019 Author Share Posted November 27, 2019 I've filled the holes with Plumbers Epoxy Putty and am gonna sand it down. I'm thinking of then doing a layer or two of JB Weld. The putty seems to have attached itself, since I sanded and prepped the area, and I've taken a hammer and hit it, and it seems to be holding. So I'm thinking, at worst, that'll fill the holes and then the JB Weld can coat and reinforce it. ?? tupp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tupp Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 1 hour ago, newfoundmass said: The putty seems to have attached itself, since I sanded and prepped the area, and I've taken a hammer and hit it, and it seems to be holding. It sounds like the job is done -- no J-B Weld needed! newfoundmass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfoundmass Posted November 27, 2019 Author Share Posted November 27, 2019 2 minutes ago, tupp said: It sounds like the job is done -- no J-B Weld needed! I still might just to add some piece of mind lol. tupp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kye Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 Ah yes, the old 'hit it with a hammer' test. From memory, most lenses do quite poorly with that one... Grimor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkabi Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 I would actually keep it as is.... remove the wires and find screw on caps on both sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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