Just bought an old C kite that has all the inflate valves peeling away from the bladders. Ten new inflate valves are going to cost as much as the kite is worth.
My question, is it possible to glue the old valves back on, what type of glue? Brand?
Any information is greatly appreciated.

I've used stormsure to do some valve repairs and also repaired a large hole in a bladder with it
Got it from Clark rubber around $15 a tube,one hint after you use it put the unused glue in the freezer so it won't go off , then when you need it again just take out and let it thaw out
Hope this helps. Good luck with the repairs
Saul

"Sweda" is the glue you want if you can find it.

I used Selleys Urethane bond to glue 12 valves on a North kite about six months ago .Make sure you clean off all the old glue using the alcohol wipes and give the bladder and valve surfaces a rub with some wet and dry sandpaper .Also cut up some pieces of paper about 100mm square and place inside the bladder to stop any excess glue accidently gluing the bladder together. Use a weight to push on the valve while the glue goes off. Best to leave it over night. Of the 12 valves I had two that leaked and they were easily found after inflating the kite and spraying on a mixture of detergent and water. Fixed them buy gluing a piece of old bladder material on top of the valve. I've had no problems since

Kitepower Australia said...

Thats a bummer, Stormsure glue works best, get the larger tube $9.95
www.kitepower.com.au/collections/kitesurfing/SPGeneral

Remove the bladder from the kite completely, and clean the valves and bladder with alcohol wipes, apply a bead of glue around the base of the valve ans place onto the bladder wind some weights like sockets that will sit over the valves and then leave for 5-8hrs or overnight. They will be stuck tight, then refit the bladders. Test inflate the bladders if any of the glued valves look like they may have an air track. Spray with a mix of water and detergent, any leaks will be clearly visible.

Great stuff, bought a tube (Stormsure) from Clark Rubber. Contains Ethyl Ketone, just like one poster here said i should look for. Sticks like ****e to a blanket.
Thanks for the information.

Wanga F One said...

The key ingredient to look for is methyl ethyl ketone. More welds than glues.

Printed on side of Stormsure tube 'contains ethel ketone'
Great product, saved $150, as opposed to buying ten new stick on valves.

Any glue that is polyurethane based works, Stormsure, that we sell is polyurethane, and comes in small tubes.
The only problem is once its opened, the whole tube goes hard within a couple of weeks.
I'll try the freezer trick though.