JB Weld Original and KwikWeld are similar products, but when do you use one over the other, and what are the benefits.
JB Weld is the Original ColdWeld two-part epoxy and it provides strong, lasting repairs to surfaces such as metal, wood, plastic, tiles, concrete, fibreglass and PVC. It is mixed at a ratio of 1:1, and forms a permanent bond that can be shaped, tapped, filed, sanded, and drilled after curing.
At room temperature, JB Weld sets in four to six hours to a dark grey colour. A full cure is reached in 15-24 hours. It has a tensile strength of 5020 PSI and sets to a hard bond overnight and can withstand temperatures up to 287°C when fully cured.
JB Weld Original comes in a pack with two separate tubes, and it is up to the user to measure out equal parts of the epoxy and hardener before mixing them together. The two parts must be mixed thoroughly to form a strong and even bond. This mixing can be done on a piece of cardboard or plastic until the mix is an even grey colour.
Once mixed, you apply a liberal amount to the clean surfaces that you need to bond, with the Original giving you more time to complete this step than with KwikWeld, as it takes longer to set and so remains malleable for longer. This is ideal if you have large surfaces to work with or have complex parts to mend where it may take longer to complete the repair.
When you have a good coverage of JB Original on the surfaces you can mate them and then ensure that they are held together securely for the entire time it takes to set and cure the epoxy.
JB Weld KwikWeld is the fast-setting version of the Original ColdWeld epoxy, and it provides a similarly strong, lasting repair to surfaces such as metal, wood, plastic, tiles, concrete, fibreglass and PVC.
After mixing, it forms a permanent bond and can be shaped, tapped, filed, sanded and drilled after curing. JB Weld KwikWeld has a 1:1 mixing ratio, sets in six minutes and is fully cured in four to six hours. It cures to a dark grey colour and is rated at a tensile strength of 3127 PSI and will withstand temperatures up to 110°C.
The main differences between the Original and KwikWeld are the time taken for the epoxy to set, and importantly the tensile strength of the bond, which is higher for the Original than KwikWeld, and the Original also withstands higher temperatures.
JB Weld KwikWeld comes in a pack with a mixing tray and stirrer, so it is ready to go as soon as you are. And the package doesn’t require you to try to work out the exact ratio as the syringe method employed delivers the exact ratio for a perfect repair. Just squeeze it out of the syringe on to the mixing tray and give it a good stir until it is thoroughly mixed.
Apply it to a clean surface generously using the stirring stick supplied. With a good layer of KwikWeld on the surfaces you can mate the two together. Use an appropriate tape such as painters’ tape to hold the pieces securely together while the bond sets and cures. KwikWeld sets in four to six minutes and cures in just six hours.
JB Weld has a very wide range of adhesives and sealants ideally suited for automotive applications – all are easy to use, versatile and permanent.
Other JB Weld bonding products include PlasticWeld, ClearWeld, ColdWeld, KwickWeld, MinuteWeld, WoodWeld, SuperWeld and AutoWeld.
For more information get in touch with Ben Leonard on (07) 3722 1111 or visit www.hpplunds.com.au