Is it possible to by "100% non-stick" spatulas for spreading glue? (ideally made from teflon/FEP)

Use non-stick glue.

Another difficult requirement from John: 'Is it possible to buy "100% non-stick" spatulas for spreading glue? (ideally made from teflon/FEP)' Tall order: 100% non-stick, effective on any glue, and ideally made from a particular type of plastic (why?). The answer to this requirement is a straight 'no'.

First problem is the 100%. Glues work in different ways: a mechanical bond by penetrating and setting in crevices; solvent welds; chemical bonds; or electrostatic. (And maybe others.) A super-smooth chemically unreactive spatula will resist bonding, but glue will always adhere slightly to the spatula. And super-smooth surfaces soon get scratched.

Second problem is that glues have to be mechanically strong themselves to stop joints breaking in the weak layer between the two glued surfaces. As glue tends to set on the spatula, it's easy to create a strong hardened layer of glue that's very difficult to remove.

So it's usual for spatulas to be more or less disposable. Depending on the glue I use either wooden Lolly-sticks or plastic spreaders. Plastic spreaders work best I think, but when glue gunks up quickly lolly-sticks are easily replaced. Being able to shape lolly-sticks with a knife can be helpful too.

Dave

Great idea using the small milk tubs, I will remember that. I also use the wooden stirrers, they make great lagging strips for small stationary engines.

Just a thought. Why not use a metal scraper and cover it with self adhesive tape ( parcel tape, PVC insulating tape, Tuff tape etc). Use the coated scraper and then wipe of excess. After the curing time of the adhesive just peel of the tape and the scraper is ready to use again.

Mike

I must admit I enjoy all these threads enormously, some rumble on for weeks!

Particularly liked Hoppers non stick glue comment.

Dave

Edited By Dave Wootton on 25/01/2022 13:44:02

Not just me then

David

I hope it doesn't come to a sticky end!

Robert

As already said I agree keep it simple, bit of wood off the floor, split to give a "clean? " face, although I am now not sure what wood species are really suitable, now that I have over thought it?

Do we think, forum interest is up because it's to cold to venture into the workshop?

Don't mean to barge your thread John

Pete

I have read this posting/query from John Smith 47, and others of his that have preceded it, with some cynicism. I have a friend called Alan who frequently posts on a motor cycle forum that I inhabit. He usually asks a technical electrical/electronic/mechanical question to find a solution to his problem(s). His questions very often are based around some idea or design that he has created and which will make him very wealthy (it never does of course).

This usually results in a large number of answers giving potential solutions (so far so good) but he then replies explaining why that suggested solution will not work (does this sound familiar guys) and continues to bait the forum members. I guess by now you will understand my cynicism about this and other questions from Mr 47.

So I actually wondered if No 47 was my friend Allan at one stage, but I am sure now that it is not (well almost certain anyway).

However in order to be helpful, I did some searching and found that our dear friend Mr Google appears to identify many companies supplying spatulas with Teflon coated or moulded ends, which I guess would solve Number 47's problem. However I await his reply repudiating all that I have said and giving at least 47 reasons why the readily available spatulas are not fit for purpose.

Have a great day everybody.

I Would go for the non stick glue simples.

Use it with a bluetooth spatula?

Wooden tongue depressors ( Like an ice lolly stick but wider) are readily available for about 1- 1.4 pence each ( in packs of 100 ) and make good disposable spatulas, without creating more single-use plastics.

Rod

In order to get the shape and size I've wanted for specific purposes, I've made my own folders for bookbinding out of PTFE sheet, Delrin, and bone. As Peak4 suggested earlier, you can buy PTFE sheet in a big range of thicknesses at reasonable cost, so you could easily make your own spatulas out of that. Just don't inhale the PTFE dust when you cut the stuff up.

I'm not sure why you'd need to use a PTFE spatula to spread glue, mind you. I've certainly had a need for non-stick folders and sheets [e.g. silicone release paper, when drying things under pressure], but I've never felt the need for the thing I'm applying glue with to be 100% non-stick, or even just highly non-stick.

Perhaps you'd be good enough to be as thorough in explaining why your requirements are what they are as some members have been in trying to assist you.