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Epoxy Drying Time

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Sherrry

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Dec 17, 2015, 7:44:11 PM12/17/15
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I purchased Oatey Fix it Stick to repair a pin hole leak in a copper water
pipe. On the directions it does not say how long before it is cured
enough to turn the water back on. It does say it takes 24 hours for it to
be completely cured. This product can be used under water. Any help would
be greatly appreciated.

--


Frank

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Dec 17, 2015, 8:02:53 PM12/17/15
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On 12/17/2015 7:44 PM, Sherrry wrote:
> Oatey Fix it Stick

Epoxy does not dry but cures by polymerization with cross linking.

The quick acting stuff can gel after 5 minutes and become unworkable and
is not fully cured for 24 hours but is useable in less than an hour.

Since this stuff appears to have catalyst maybe in a separate phase in
one stick, I doubt if it gels fast and full cure will take as long as
they say but otherwise you cannot tell time to maybe usable half strength.

Cures are also dependent on temperature. You can speed it up with
gentle heat.

Tony Hwang

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Dec 17, 2015, 8:25:29 PM12/17/15
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Is that white dough like you knead and apply to the affected area?
I used it on a less than a pin hole on a main ball valve body(casting
flaw I guess), kneaded it well, applied it, left over night to be sure.
It worked, stopped the mist like leak. Replacing the valve was bit
hard task located in a sitting height crawl space.(time and cost)

Micky

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Dec 17, 2015, 10:41:48 PM12/17/15
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You'd think they woudl say that, if only to increase sales and make
people happy.

He doesn't say it either:
http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-fix-a-pinhole-leak-in-a-copper-pipe/
but he does seem to wrap the stuff all the way around the pipe, which
I think is a good idea.

Mayayana

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Dec 17, 2015, 10:48:50 PM12/17/15
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I'd suggest either fixing the pipe or using a piece
of rubber with a band clamp. Maybe the putty will
work, but I wouldn't want to depend on it.



Paint...@unlisted.moc

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Dec 18, 2015, 4:56:23 AM12/18/15
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On Fri, 18 Dec 2015 00:44:04 +0000, Sherrry
<caedfaa9ed1216d60e...@example.com> wrote:

Since it says "takes 24 hours for it to be completely cured", then you
wait 24 hours. If you only wait 10 hours and it starts to leak again,
then you have to redo the patch and clean up the water. (and wait
another 24 hours). Why risk it?


DerbyDad03

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Dec 21, 2015, 1:02:17 PM12/21/15
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If they say fully cured in 24 hours, I'd wait *at least* 24 hours. Even
though it says it can be used underwater, I'm guessing that it shouldn't
be put under pressure until it is fully cured.

Fernco carries a putty and tape system that says it is fully cured in
approximately 30 minutes.

https://www.fernco.com/sites/default/files/literature/pow-r%20wrap%20installation.pdf

'twere it me, I'd fix the pipe properly by removing the section with
the hole if it's even close to reasonably possible. Short of that, I'd
go with a putty and tape solution over just putty by itself. Then I'd
worry about it until I eventually repaired it properly. ;-)

Oren

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Dec 21, 2015, 2:26:24 PM12/21/15
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Agree with correctly fixin'/replacing the pipe.

Ever see this product, featured on Shark Tank? (Fiber Fix)

-Combines the strength of an epoxy with the ease of a tape
-Easy to use - just activate with water and wrap just like tape
-Hardens extremely rigid and strong within 2-5 minutes
-Works with almost any surface, can be sanded and painted, waterproof,
heat and cold resistant
-Ideal for repairing water pipes, car hoses, yard and shop tools,
outdoor gear, and household items

Amazon:

<https://tinyurl.com/ndht937>

DerbyDad03

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Dec 21, 2015, 8:37:38 PM12/21/15
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I don't have time to do any research right now, but I sure would do some before I'd
buy that product.

Water activated and cures in 2-5 minutes? First, that's not a lot of time to work the product.
Second, AFAIK fast drying epoxies are typically not as strong as slow cure varieties.

Maybe it's not an epoxy...any idea what it is?

Micky

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Dec 24, 2015, 12:40:04 AM12/24/15
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On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 17:37:26 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
I don't think you're supposed to work it after the water goes on. You
wrap the tape and wet it. Nope, I'm wrong about that. From second
link below:
First, wet your FiberFix roll by submerging it in water, and then
removing any excess.
With latex gloves covering your hand, wrap your FiberFix roll
around whatever needs to be repaired, and let it sit for a few
minutes. However, most online reviews we found recommended letting it
sit for at least 24 hours to achieve optimal hardening.

Okay, i've changed my answer. Since working it is usually or always
wrapping, it shoudln't take long.

>Second, AFAIK fast drying epoxies are typically not as strong as slow cure varieties.
>
>Maybe it's not an epoxy...any idea what it is?

http://www.amazon.com/FIBER-FIX-Adhesive-Automotive-Emergency/dp/B009WSDWUG
4 stars out of 5 on 204 reviews

http://www.highya.com/fiberfix-reviews was on Shark Tank. My good
friend watches that every week, but even if she remembers it woudln't
know how good it is. Has an excerpt from the TV show. "Based on the
few online reviews we could find, FiberFix really does provide a
lasting solution to broken items that would otherwise be impossible or
very costly to repair. The only caveat is that FiberFix is not
intended to be a patch; in other words, the material’s strength comes
from layering, so cutting off a small piece and using it as a single
layer will likely not provide the results you’re looking for. Also,
because FiberFix will adhere to literally any material even your hands
you must wear latex gloves when applying."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E692rAVBhs 3 minute video where they
use it on metal pipe and test it 30 minutes later.
Followed by a 5 minute video with pvc pipe.

https://www.fiberfix.com/

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/checking-the-claim-fiberfix-is-100-times-stronger-than-duct-tape-180947587/?no-ist
Smithsonian Magazine.

Glenn Orbon

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Sep 22, 2020, 1:20:50 PM9/22/20
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Decided to use Oatey Fix-it instead of Fiber Fix because of the location of the pipe leak. Easier to appy the puddy then the wrap. Waited 11 hours after application. So far, no leaks
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