How and how to properly glue the battery with your own hands
Violation of the tightness of the battery case is associated with careless handling of the device. Modern materials and impact-resistant plastics such as polypropylene can easily withstand mechanical and thermal influences. In this case, there are situations when the body is destroyed due to the internal closure of the electrode plates. In such a situation, the question arises, how will it be possible to seal the battery.
What material is used in the manufacture of car batteries
The body of this device is made of plastic. For this purpose, polyethylene and polypropylene are used. The first material is used for the manufacture of economical batteries. More expensive models are made of polypropylene.
This is due to the high density of the material. Polypropylene is considered harder and has good abrasion resistance. In addition, this material is characterized by high heat resistance. It becomes soft at 140 degrees. In this case, the blending parameters reach 175 degrees. The material hardly suffers from stress corrosion cracking.
In addition, both substances are resistant to chemical elements. Under ambient conditions, high concentration sulfuric acid has an inexpressible effect on them.At the same time, prolonged contact with this substance at temperature parameters of 60 degrees and above causes the destruction of materials.
It is also advisable to prevent gasoline from entering the heated battery box. At high temperatures, the hydrocarbons will cause the casing to dissolve.
DIY solutions to the problem
To eliminate the cracks that have appeared in the case of the device, it is recommended to prepare a number of tools and accessories. This will require the following:
- construction hair dryer - it must be equipped with a function of gradual regulation of temperature parameters and a nozzle with a narrow slot;
- an electric soldering iron - it must have a power of 100 watts and a flat tip;
- staples - their length should be 20-25 millimeters, and the height of the side walls should be 2 millimeters;
- several strips of thin propylene - it is allowed to take it from an old battery or use special soldering material in the form of tape or rods.
For repair work, it is recommended to proceed as follows:
- If a crack is found on the device under the electrolyte, it is recommended to drain it. This procedure can be performed using a large medical syringe. It is recommended to put a fragment of a PVC tube on it. Its length should be 20-25 centimeters. It is strictly forbidden to drain the electrolyte by normal tilting of the battery. If you turn the device over, a precipitate of lead oxide can cause the plates to close and completely disrupt the operation of the device.
- Using a sharp knife, make a groove along the length of the damage. It is recommended to give it a V shape.Make small holes at the ends with a fine drill. Their diameter should not exceed 1 millimeter. The holes also help prevent further development of the defect.
- Heat the staples to a temperature of 400-450 degrees. This can be done with a soldering iron or a candle. Then carefully melt the resulting fragments into the edges of the crack. This should be done at intervals of 12-15 millimeters. This will keep the edges of the crack in contact.
- Make a heat shield from a heat resistant material. For this purpose, a paronite of 10x15 centimeters is suitable. It is recommended to make a gap in the sheet, the size and shape of which coincides with the geometry of the damage. Then match the cutout with the shape of the groove and fix it well on the device body.
- For soldering it is allowed to use a special rod or tape. If this is not possible, it is permissible to do the welding yourself. For this, it is recommended to cut thin strips of prepared polypropylene. In length and quantity, they should correspond to the volume of material needed to fill the V-shaped defect. Then roll them into a thin, tight tourniquet.
- Heat part of the gap with a hair dryer, melt the edge of the welding material and press it against the beginning of the crack, applying force. As the polypropylene weld heats up and cracks, seal all the gap. It is recommended to do this systematically.
- In addition to soldering, cracks can be repaired with polystyrene by dissolving it in dichloroethane. It is also allowed to use KR-30 solvent. To glue the patch, the surface in the area of the crack at a distance of 20 millimeters must be cleaned with emery and wiped with acetone.
Also, to repair cracks and other damage to the case of the device, it is permissible to use "positive" epoxy glue. This sealant is often called cold welding. It helps to achieve great results as the acid hardly damages it. In order for the sealant to provide reliable fixation and long-lasting hold, it is recommended to clean all surfaces from dirt before use. The degreasing and drying of materials are not negligible. To achieve the most reliable fixation, it is recommended to sand the surface with emery.
The glue becomes firm in just 10 minutes. It is possible to obtain a complete fixation of the materials in 2 hours. In this case, it is recommended to wrap the device case with insulating tape, which will reliably compress the stuck fragments. After that, it is worth moving on to filling the electrolyte. It is imperative to double charge and discharge your device.
Is it possible to solve the problem in the long term
Before repairing a car battery, it is recommended to establish the reasons that caused the appearance of cracks in the case. If due to improper removal of the battery the attachment point with the cover was damaged, the repair will help increase the life of the device. If damage to the case is caused by a drop or impact of the battery, it should be ensured that the plates and other elements of the battery are intact.
It is advisable to start repairing the battery if the costs amount to at most half of the new device. It will not be possible to give a second life to the battery. As a result of such repairs, it will be able to operate for a maximum of 1.5 years. In this case, in winter, the device may fail.
Before starting the repair, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the safety rules. The electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution. This liquid is considered highly corrosive. To neutralize it, it is permissible to use soda. It is recommended that any repair work be carried out with gloves, goggles and protective clothing.
Repairing the battery will slightly extend the life of the product. There are several ways to repair cracks in an appliance. To achieve good results, you need to choose the appropriate option and strictly follow the rules of the procedure.Strict compliance with safety requirements is not insignificant.