Hot Glue’s Characteristics?

[Heltor Chasca]

I need to seal an electrical fitting to protect it from water ingress. The product’s owners’ manual suggests silicone glue as the best option as it remains flexible and can be removed if need be.

Do I really need to buy an entire cartridge of the stuff?

Or can I use my daughter’s hot glue gun? Will it work in the same way?

Thanks as always.

 

[Drago]

A hot glue gun will do the job but may be a bit permanent. You can buy toothpaste-like tubes of silicone for a couple of sovs.

 

[sleuthey]

EBay is your friend

 

[Heltor Chasca]

EBay is your friend

and time is my foe.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Hot glue won't cut it. It sets hard and is too viscous when fluid to fill gaps and give a good seal. It doesn't adhere well and any movement in the joint will lead to capillary action and water ingress.

Buy a small tube (not cartridge) of silicone sealant. It is useful to have around the house in anyway, just get the right product.

 

[the_mikey]

Also be wary of using silicone sealant, although it seems a good idea in theory, it is flexible, the product also contains acetic acid which has the potential to corrode or damage exposed wiring, copper, and components within your plug. Hopefully the part you're sealing contains no exposed parts.

 

[cisamcgu]

Whatever you do, don't drop a big lump of melting glue onto your finger, then say "Ow, ow, ow", wait until it cools and hardens, and then rip it off, along with a significant circle of flesh ... DO NOT ask me how I know this .. !