Is There A Doctor In The House? PIF Update!

[Tonimus]

I received a Gillette New from Shantytownbrown as a PIF. I promised that when I took care of it, I would post how I did it and pictures. Well here it is!

This ball end Gillette New had a cracked handle tube by the head (4 cracks) and some starting to form at the ball end. I used an epoxy called PC Auto Bond. http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/paste-epoxies/pc-auto-bond.php It remains slightly flexible and crack resistant compared to most epoxies. I've had good luck with it in other high impact applications such as grip medallions for pistols.

I wrapped the handle in 3 layers of electrical tape so I could use a hose clamp without marring the surface. I then took the mixing nozzle to fill the whole tube. I used a toothpick as a plunger to make sure that all the air bubbles were out of the handle, for no particular reason at all. Once the tube was 80% full, I coated the rest of the inside of the tube where it contacts the threaded piece for attaching the head. I pressed the threaded piece into the tube ant tightened the clamp down tight overnight.

Once dried, I put a lot of torque on the handle and side loading stress. Before, you could visibly see the cracks open up. Now, no movement. This thing isn't going to crack any further. I might shave with it when I wake up for my night shift!

 

[Rodeodave]

Nice save! Hope you like the razor, I personally think that an open comb feels very nice.

 

[TonyJoe]

Nice. I need to do this with my Old type.

 

[JRL]

Outstanding work! Thanks for the very clear description. I hadn't thought about using a tiny hose clamp to compress the handle. Learned a new trick.

I also appreciate the epoxy product recommendation. Does it change color when it sets up? Or is the hardened material that same dark color. Clearly not an issue for this job, but I'm thinking ahead to other uses -- if some remains visible, what will I see?

 

[dougmac]

Wow, great job!! I'm wanting to try a New like that, I have an Old Type with the ball end and I really like it.

 

[Tonimus]

JRL, the epoxy sets up dark. I have to use it sparingly in some applications where it may ooze out and be visible. Finding one that dries clear AND flexible is a bear...

 

[JRL]

JRL, the epoxy sets up dark. I have to use it sparingly in some applications where it may ooze out and be visible. Finding one that dries clear AND flexible is a bear...

Thanks -- that's extremely helpful.

 

[Shantytownbrown]

NIce Job! please enjoy that razor, and update us on the shave experience...glad it fell into the right hands!

 

[KindestCutofAll]

Well, we need to start calling you Mr. FixIt!

An excellent restore. Very well thought out.

Though I have been fortunate not to have had any cracked handles so far I'll definately keep this repair in mind.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Seadooer]

Great fixit job.

 

[Tonimus]

So, I shaved with it three times, with three different blades. All of them were entirely too aggressive. I'm sending it back to Scott (Shantytownbrown) to let him try it again, since he only got one shave with it. We both think it'll end up being too aggressive for him as well, and there's possibly another PIF coming in the future!

 

[Shantytownbrown]

So, I shaved with it three times, with three different blades. All of them were entirely too aggressive. I'm sending it back to Scott (Shantytownbrown) to let him try it again, since he only got one shave with it. We both think it'll end up being too aggressive for him as well, and there's possibly another PIF coming in the future!

we will try to come up with something creative to find this little killer a home...