Not impressed with 3M 5200

[Moody Blue]

Finally getting to the boat to get it ready for the water and while doing some maintenance found a couple surprises.<br /><br />I found that wherever I had applied 5200 last season (on stainless steel trim tabs, brass drain tubes) there was no adhesion. It sticks like crazy to the fiberglass but not worth a damn to brass or stainless steel.<br /><br />These surfaces WERE scuffed with 180 grit sandpaper and cleaned with acetone before applying the 5200. I am not longer trusting my sealing needs to this stuff. Thought I would pass this along to caution other users of potential sealing failure.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

In it's defense, I pulled the mounting bolts out of a V-6 Yamaha and the motor stayed stuck to the back of the boat. I had to pry it off. But the clamps were painted, not bare metal.

 

[swist]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

Hmmm. Not my experience. Anything I've ever stuck together with 5200 has been pretty permanent.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

Ayuh,......<br /><br />When 5200 is applied to be Between 2 pieces,.....It Sticks........<br /><br />It's Not Designed to be Slathered ONTO something,+ Stick..........

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

Bondo that is how I used it in the case of the trim tabs. Applied between the S/S hinge and the fiberglass transom. I removed the 5 screws from the hinge and the tab fell to the ground. NO adhesion whatsoever to the S/S. Had to use a razor knife to get the 5200 off the fiberglass.<br /><br />In the case of the brass drain tubes I applied the 5200 around the perimeter of the rolled edge and the fiberglass before inserting the tube into the hole then blended more 5200 on the exterior to be confident of a good seal. Not. There was NO adhesion between the brass and 5200.<br /><br />In another example however, I had sealed the speedwheel from my fishfinder to the transom with 5200. When I removed the screws I had to knock the bracket off with a hammer it was stuck so well and a piece of gelcoat came off with the bracket.<br /><br />There seems to be some incompatibility with brass or stainless perhaps? Anyone else experience this?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

Well,...... I've had Great Luck with it bonding to My Aluminum Starcraft,......<br /><br />I Haven't Tried to remove my Trim Tabs,... So I Don't Know how it Stuck to the Bennetts.......

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

MAybe it was just a bad tube of it. Happens....

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

There is an adhesion chart and I dont think the 5200 was recommended for ss or lexan and glass.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

CC where have you seen that chart? I have been looking for an application guide for the whole family of products.

 

[lorax]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

Thanks a lot RodC. Now you've got me all paranoid. <br /><br />I installed Bennett tabs last fall using 5200 to seal all the stainless screw holes. (applied it to the thread before screwing them in)<br /><br />Now I'm lying awake at night with visions of my transom rotting

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

Didn't mean to cause any grief but wanted to relate my own experiences for the benefit of other members. Here is the data sheets from 3M. Read them and draw your own conclusions.<br /><br /> web page

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

Here is the rest of it.<br /><br /> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/rodder61/3M-2.jpg <br /> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/rodder61/3M-3.jpg <br /> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/rodder61/3m-4.jpg <br /> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/rodder61/3M-5.jpg <br /> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/rodder61/3m-6.jpg <br /><br />If you are feeling unsure about the 5200, why not remove the screws and see for yourself. Thats what I did. If it looks OK, then reapply the 5200 and install the screws again.

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Not impressed with 3M 5200

.. it was stuck so well and a piece of gelcoat came off with the bracket.<br /><br />That's why 5200 is the wrong adhesive for anything that might have to be removed sooner or later.