Method one: The Leakseal method
He uses two products to repair his bucket:
Rust-Oleum LeakSeal
This spray creates a rubbery coating when you spray it on something. It’s very useful, people use it not just for repairing buckets, but to fix holes in their rain gutter and all sorts of other purposes.
You don’t want to get this stuff on your hands however. It’s not very bad for your skin, but it’s not easy to get off. Make sure to wear gloves when you use it and don’t breathe in the spray, keep some distance from your face.
The other product William mentions is:
Weed Barrier
Any brand of weed barrier should work fine. This thin plastic serves as a skeleton for the rubbery coating that you’re going to be spraying on your bucket. Of course, not all of you have weed barrier laying around and you’re not going to spend money to buy it just for this. If that’s the case, look towards similar alternatives, like the window mesh that you use to keep insects out of your house for example.
Fixing the crack in your bucket
Now when it comes to actually fixing the crack, it’s pretty straightforward as William shows in the video. Spray on the crack in the bottom part of your bucket. Then you put your material on, moving it to see if it fits well. Rub it with your glove to get the air bubbles out. After that, add a second coating. Wait for it to dry, then repeat the process for the inside of the bucket. After this, you should have a great bucket capable of storing liquids again.
I want to remind you: Make sure to wear gloves when you use it and don’t breathe in the spray, keep some distance from your face!
Method two: Plastic welding
Plastic welding is a bit more difficult than the above method. What it comes down to is that you heat up plastic and apply new plastic strips to it. Plastic requires much lower temperatures to melt than most metals do. Here’s a video of someone plastic welding:
All that you really need for this is some equipment you can raise to a high temperature. A knife held in a flame would theoretically be enough.
Is this something you would want to do? I think this is probably not a good idea. If you do this wrong, and the temperature rises too much, you could end up with plastic fumes. Those fumes are not something you want to inhale, they can contain all sorts of toxic compounds. Plastic fumes from the microwave have even led to people being hospitalized. Your health is not worth risking to save a dime.
My suggestion would be to use the first method instead! Repairing a crack like that is safe. If you do want to use this method, keep the temperature as low as needed to soften the plastic, ventilate the room and keep your face away from the plastic.
FAQ:
1. What is the best way to fix a cracked plastic bucket?
– The best way to fix a cracked plastic bucket is to use plastic welding. It involves melting a plastic material onto the crack to fill the gap and then cooling it down to form a strong bond.
2. Can I use glue to fix a cracked plastic bucket?
– While glue can fix a cracked plastic bucket, it may not provide a long-lasting or strong solution. It is recommended to use plastic welding for a more effective repair.
3. How can I prevent plastic buckets from cracking?
– Avoid exposing plastic buckets to extreme temperatures, rough handling, or heavy loads to prevent them from cracking. You can reinforce the bucket’s weak points with duct tape or additional plastic material.
4. Can I still use a cracked plastic bucket for non-food items?
– If the crack is small and does not affect the bucket’s functionality, you can still use it for non-food items. However, if the crack is large or near the bottom of the bucket, it is recommended to replace it for safety reasons.
Written by mark
