Thinkpads Forum

Just wondering if anybody has tried this as got a couple of TPs with damaged bases & palm rests. I know the palm rest is easyish to replace but i am not too bothered & a decent 'patch up' would suffice. You can also get it in black so i wouldnt need to paint. Is it easy & a suitable form of repair. Its got to look better than tape surely?
Thanks

Try this great alternative: Sugru.
Works virtually anywhere, and is also available in black.

Thanks again RBS. You are an absolute diamond.

You can try the baking soda and super glue trick.

Here's an example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaEClTO17y4

I've fixed small cracks in my TP this way.

You can buy a product called Plastic Weld at any chain auto parts store. It is a two part product, but I don't know (I don't think so) if it acts as a solvent to bond the plastic together or if it is just an incredibly strong adhesive. I have never used it though I have a package of it sitting in the shop.

I have always used JB Weld and JB Weld Quick for non-stressed plastic repair. It is not a solvent and is just a two-part steel epoxy.

If you use either of these products I would recommend you use at least a 120 grit sandpaper to rough the surfaces that this will be applied to and work from the back of the part if possible. Both of these products can be quite messy if used carelessly. Reinforce the part across the break or crack with a small piece of backing plastic if at all possible.

I used the JB Weld quick on (among other unrelated items) on a T500 palmrest before replacing it with a new one. It held up well and I believe i still have the repaired part hanging around somewhere.

But I am a fanatic for new looking equipment, and a cracked palmrest, no matter how good the repair, was not going to stay on one of my machines.

Try to stay away from the cyanoacrylate products. They will craze plastic and it produces a white haze on any surface the vapor from this product contacts.

Thanks for your replies guys & tips that is very informative & really appreciated. I ordered some of the stuff that RBS kindly suggested earlier (easy for me to get in the uk & does not look too tricky to apply) But i will certainly also consider these options & your advice also depending on the repair. I am sure others will also be very grateful if they see this thread.

Personally while i can really appreciate a great looking laptop, i am not overly fussy about appearance as long as it works well. Especially on older models.
However i guess its a bit like cars. A friend of mine must have a car in mint condition. I am satisified if it loooks decent enough & gets me around . He wouldnt entertain driving what i would lol.
Many Thanks once again

MikalE wrote:You can buy a product called Plastic Weld at any chain auto parts store. It is a two part product, but I don't know (I don't think so) if it acts as a solvent to bond the plastic together or if it is just an incredibly strong adhesive. I have never used it though I have a package of it sitting in the shop.

I have always used JB Weld and JB Weld Quick for non-stressed plastic repair. It is not a solvent and is just a two-part steel epoxy.

If you use either of these products I would recommend you use at least a 120 grit sandpaper to rough the surfaces that this will be applied to and work from the back of the part if possible. Both of these products can be quite messy if used carelessly. Reinforce the part across the break or crack with a small piece of backing plastic if at all possible.

I used the JB Weld quick on (among other unrelated items) on a T500 palmrest before replacing it with a new one. It held up well and I believe i still have the repaired part hanging around somewhere.

But I am a fanatic for new looking equipment, and a cracked palmrest, no matter how good the repair, was not going to stay on one of my machines.

Try to stay away from the cyanoacrylate products. They will craze plastic and it produces a white haze on any surface the vapor from this product contacts.

I used JB Plastic Weld on my car to glue back plastic trim that fell off. It doesn't act as a solvent. It's an adhesive that turns hard once it cures.

I plan on trying it to fix up my T410s case. I haven't decided whether to use it as it or use it to glue a piece of plastic to reinforce it.

I successfully used some kind of Epoxy to strengthen weakened magnesium frame places in my Z60m Murderscenepad.