Double sided sticky pads which actually work?

[ge_rik]

Does anyone know of a brand of double sided sticky pads which actually work?

I've tried several brands, including those which are supposed to be weather proof, and all of them fail after a year or so. I use them primarily to stick soundcard speakers inside cab roofs but they are also handy for all sorts of other uses on the railway. Well they would be if they worked!!

Rik

 

[PhilP]

I use Automotive Tape..
On a roll, and different widths are available.

For something a little thicker, look for Servo Tape. - Tends to come in pre-cut lengths..

Both of these, try not to touch the adhesive with your fingers. - The oils in your skin have a marked effect on the adhesive.

PhilP.

 

[Madman]

Even the best, or so I thought, double sided foam tape will fail after some time. whether they get overheated by the sun heating up the roof or sides of the rolling stock they are housed in or by the cold when stored in unheated places. Hot glue seems to work quite well. Hot glue will release when it is very cold, so removal of the item is made simpler by placing the car in a refrigerator for fifteen minutes or so.

 

[Zerogee]

I've used the pads sold by car parts places (eg Halfords) for sticking on number plates - they stick like the proverbial to a blanket... not cheap, but they work. They're quite thick foam and will work on moderately irregular surfaces, they work well for sticking decoders onto loco weights while providing a thick enough insulating barrier.

Jon.

 

[tedtherep]

I've had good luck with glue dots. Haven't got a long history with them, however.

 

[maxi-model]

Gorilla make a thick transparent double sided tape that offers very strong bonds. I have used it recently to secure battery packs. Otherwise I use Delux Fix n Flex (made for applications like fixing servos in aeromodeling applications) or Evo-Stick serious glue. Both clear silicon type adhesives. Holds like a limpet but won't destroy painted surfaces when removed. As to durability that really depends on the environment they are operated in. Max

 

[ge_rik]

Thanks chaps.
I've not yet tried any of your suggestions, so will give of them a try in turn and will let you know how I get on. If any of them last more than a year I'll be very happy!

Rik

 

[Rhinochugger]

3M is meant to be the DBs - I favour that when I want something to stick permanently

 

[Greg Elmassian]

In the US, you find a black super sticky tape that is used to hold automotive trim on. Usually called "emblem tape". Clearly it has to endure high temperatures and weather, car washes and vandals.

see if you can find in the UK:

Amazon.com: 3M Auto Exterior Attachment Tape, 38582, 1/4 in x 5 ft: Garden & Outdoor

Buy 3M Auto Exterior Attachment Tape, 38582, 1/4 in x 5 ft: Automotive - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Greg

 

[phils2um]

If you want something that can be removed later with no muss no fuss I'll tout this stuff again: 3M 3798LM hot melt adhesive. 3M Removable Gummy Glue
I use it extensively around my RR. Great for fixing passengers in wagons, engineers in cabs, etc. I also use it to tame stray or otherwise recalcitrant wires in decoder installations as an alternative to tie-wraps.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

At what temperature does it soften? How does it stand up to moisture? From the data sheet it seem viscous at 205 degrees F, so a bit under boiling.

3M Removable Gummy Glue

3M 3798 LM removable "Gummy Glue" is available in 3M Size 5/8" x 2" TC. In stock and ready to ship today from Hotmelt.com.

www.hotmelt.com

I would think that for safety, especially if the decoder or cab roof could get hot, this might be borderline.

Greg

 

[ge_rik]

Thanks chaps. Looks like pads and tape designed for use on cars is the most reliable. Have ordered some and will let you know how I get on (though it may take me a year to know for sure .....

Rik

 

[Rhinochugger]

In the US, you find a black super sticky tape that is used to hold automotive trim on. Usually called "emblem tape". Clearly it has to endure high temperatures and weather, car washes and vandals.

see if you can find in the UK:

Amazon.com: 3M Auto Exterior Attachment Tape, 38582, 1/4 in x 5 ft: Garden & Outdoor

Buy 3M Auto Exterior Attachment Tape, 38582, 1/4 in x 5 ft: Automotive - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Greg

I think we stick the number plates on our cars with that stuff - virtually immovable, you have to slice it in half to get the number plate off

 

[maxi-model]

One thing I have noted over the years, of household and hobby use, is that just about any adhesive bonding product, from sellotape to epoxy, will loose its vital properties over time. Especially where regular heat cycles, oil/moisture ingress and UV exposure are concerned. Or just plain age.

I have a few beautiful very finely detailed - engine, chassis, suspension, lift of body, etc' - 1:43 models or racing cars. Their assembly, by myself and other pros, was mostly achieved with clear two pack adhesive. Within 10 years the epoxies used had developed a rubber like elasticity and the bonds had failed. There was no real UV, heat, moisture or oil exposure involved.

I dare say products developed for automotive and aerospace industries will be made to be more resilient to most out of necessity, so a good starting point. It's interesting to see some of the more specialized products some mainstream suppliers have "hiding" in their ranges that might be co-opted to hobbies. Though they tend to come with caveats, like handling, shelf life and cost. Which is probably why they don't make the mainstream market, sadly. Max

 

[phils2um]

At what temperature does it soften?

3M 3798LM is rubbery at room temp. Just did a little expt. on the stove. It holds its shape up to 170ºF. Can be permanently deformed between 170 and 180ºF. It is extremely viscus in boiling water. Not sure what temperature is required for it to flow freely. It is extruded at 263ºF from a glue gun designed to dispense it. Temps were measured with a Measupro RTD probe.

Edit added to answer Greg's other ? : Not effected by moisture. It remains a cohesive lump in boiling water.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

That's pretty much what I figured. 160 degrees F is not hard to reach outdoors in hot sun on dark surfaces.

Your findings match the data sheet I linked (they are usually pretty accurate).

Greg

 

[GAP]

I'm using this stuff for my locos.

Double Sided Tape for Outdoor Use - 10mm (5m)

Double Sided Tape for Outdoor Use has excellent long term holding power, Resistance to solvents, temperature extremes, and U.V. light make this acrylic tape suitable for many Modelling applications.

hobbyking.com

Strong Double Sided Tape Outdoor Use (1500mm)

Strong Double Sided Tape Outdoor Use (1500mm)

hobbyking.com

And there is this

Double Sided Tape (Clear) 25mm x 1m

Servo Tape (Clear) 25mm x 1m

hobbyking.com

 

[maxi-model]

I'm using this stuff for my locos.

Double Sided Tape for Outdoor Use - 10mm (5m)

Double Sided Tape for Outdoor Use has excellent long term holding power, Resistance to solvents, temperature extremes, and U.V. light make this acrylic tape suitable for many Modelling applications.

hobbyking.com

Strong Double Sided Tape Outdoor Use (1500mm)

Strong Double Sided Tape Outdoor Use (1500mm)

hobbyking.com

And there is this

Double Sided Tape (Clear) 25mm x 1m

Servo Tape (Clear) 25mm x 1m

hobbyking.com

That last one looks very much like the Gorrilla branded product I mentioned. But half the price for the amount supplied. Good find of a range of handy products. However, as with all these products preparation of surfaces is the key to (long term) success. Max

 

[GAP]

I'm using this stuff for my locos.

Double Sided Tape for Outdoor Use - 10mm (5m)

Double Sided Tape for Outdoor Use has excellent long term holding power, Resistance to solvents, temperature extremes, and U.V. light make this acrylic tape suitable for many Modelling applications.

hobbyking.com

Strong Double Sided Tape Outdoor Use (1500mm)

Strong Double Sided Tape Outdoor Use (1500mm)

hobbyking.com

And there is this

Double Sided Tape (Clear) 25mm x 1m

Servo Tape (Clear) 25mm x 1m

hobbyking.com

That last one looks very much like the Gorrilla branded product I mentioned. But half the price for the amount supplied. Good find of a range of handy products. However, as with all these products preparation of surfaces is the key to (long term) success. Max

Metho (Methylated Spirit/Denatured alcohol) is your friend for surface preparation.
I do not have access to many Gorilla products locally only their wood glue from a local hardware chain so have very limited knowledge about them.
I choose my products based on my many years living in a tropical environment if it can survive their it will survive here.

 

[ge_rik]

Thanks chaps
Plenty to go on here. Maybe, one day, I'll do a comparison test....

Rik