Is there a "tacky" CA?

I use CyanoAcrylate (CA) adhesive to marry small parts to other small parts or large ones. I am using a brand called Zap-a-Gap
which, as its name implies, is primarily used for gap filling. Consequently, it is very difficult to put parts together with this brand of CA if there is no pre-existing support for the part(s). It often requires 3 hands, and the parts are often too small for a jig.

Does anyone know of a CA that is inherently tacky, or that sets up quickly enough that it can be used for these small but cruical jobs?

Thanks in advance.

The thinner types of superglue usually set up right after contact.
Lee

And model cement(especially Testors’ Non-Toxic) never hurts…

Try using G-S Hypo Cement. It remains tacky for several minutes to several hours, depending on the quanitity used.
I use it for many parts that need fussy positioning. It will glue anything to anything and dries crystal clear.

See page 14 of the March 2003 FSM under News & Products. I get mine from Micro-Mark. Try it, you’ll like it.[;)]

Pete

Something else you could try is 5-minute epoxy. It is a two part glue that you mix up and it sets in, as the name implies, about 5 minutes. I use that a lot and I really like it. It really works well for me.

Ray

Like Lee said, the thinner CA Glue sets up a lot faster. One problem that I have had is that the CA glues I have purchased do have a shelf life on them. If the glue is too old it does not set up properly and requires quite a bit more time.

I use the Black CA(with rubber in it I think). It seems to have a little more working time and “tackiness” if you will. Also try keeping your CA in the fridge, it will extend the life. I’ve had a bottle in there for two years and it still works fine.

Pete,

Regarding the G-S Hypo cement… I found some at Michael’s. Haven’t used it yet, but it might be another source for other readers who are interested.

Murray