Shocking Glue Wars discovery

[Dan Gray]

An adhesive works by linking to surface molecules of the two substrates in the joint. When a surface is created by something like cutting, the surface molecules are missing neighbors on one side. The surface molecules have a mechanically enduced chemical deficiency .

then that's it?? it can't stick anyway
because there are no molecules in metal
http://www.knivesby.com/robert-cella-1.html

 

[Sando]

Jeff,

Thanks for all the information!

Fortunately for me, I've never used Simple Green while assembling my knives. I started it for this experiment.

Freshly sanded steel is the best, it sounds, for bonding. The Loctite information, though, emphasizes washing after grinding - to remove grit. The problem is, "with what?"

Also, I've lightly sanded steel and it doesn't always remove the surface oil (try the water test. if the water beads, there's some amount of oil.)

I've always used xylene based brake cleaner before 'glueing'.

I'm going to start over and use the "freshly sanded, rinse with brake cleaner, rub down with cotton towel" method.

Steve