Glueing leather to plastics ?

[harronek]

Will normal contact adhesive glue leather to Plastic and Kydex if the surface is roughed up ?
If not what type of glue would work ?
Has anyone any experience with trying this ?
Any advice would be gratefully received .

Ken

 

[sheathmaker]

Definitely try a test piece first. Contact cement contains some chemicals that will destroy some plastics. If it does not then yes, rough up the plastic and the leather at the point of the bond. This still will probably not be a long time arrangement. Clear epoxy might be a much better choice, but it will not be flexible when cured. If it's a no bend or flex situation I would say the epoxy would be best.

Edit: I just reread your post. Plastic to Kydex. I don't think contact cement would last any time at all. Epoxy or rivets, Chicago screws, T nuts and bolts (small), or eyelets would be my choice I think. All but the epoxy would make it removable also.

Paul

 

[harronek]

Definitely try a test piece first. Contact cement contains some chemicals that will destroy some plastics. If it does not then yes, rough up the plastic and the leather at the point of the bond. This still will probably not be a long time arrangement. Clear epoxy might be a much better choice, but it will not be flexible when cured. If it's a no bend or flex situation I would say the epoxy would be best.

Edit: I just reread your post. Plastic to Kydex. I don't think contact cement would last any time at all. Epoxy or rivets, Chicago screws, T nuts and bolts (small), or eyelets would be my choice I think. All but the epoxy would make it removable also.

Paul

Thanks for the reply Paul .
Now that I re-read my original post I see I probably didn't word it very well .
Your first thought was the correct one .
I want to glue leather onto Plastic or Kydex . It would be a no flex - movement situation so maybe your right in suggesting epoxy rather than just contact adhesive . I think I'll go to the hardware store and read the labels on some different products .

Ken

 

[sheathmaker]

Okay, Ken, also if it's leather to kydex you might drill a few holes in the kydex and allow the epoxy to migrate into those holes and the smooth out the back side (inside). This would almost mimic peening a pin and I think the leather would tear before the epoxy pulled from it after it is cured. I secure the clips on my pocket clip sheaths with a dot of JB Weld epoxy between the lining and the exterior and they are bulletproof.

Paul

Incidentally Saint-Euxpery was correct. That is one of the best and truest quotes I've ever seen and words to live by.

 

[Horsewright]

I'd agree with the epoxy and recommend Gflex. Don't know if you can get it down there or not Ken but it is good stuff.