IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Topic started by: PaddyO on Dec 15, 2018, 11:16 AM
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Suggestion of best method of repairing the bottom of plastic sleds? I have 2 year old Clam which is usually always on my Smitty - but a small hole worn through the back corner of the sled. Yes - I'm disappointed because never had any issue with my other sleds which were treated and cared for the same manner - rarely dragged across open pavement - this looks like a thin molding issue. Suggestions appreciated...
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A piece of plastic and JB Weld is what I would use.
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A plastic welder would be my first choice. Relatively common procedure in the kayak fishing scene.
(https://i.postimg.cc/HcGnfHp4/61zm-P5p-G6m-L-SX425.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HcGnfHp4)
https://www.harborfreight.com/plastic-welding-kit-with-adjustable-temperature-96464.html
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thank you!
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When my old CLAM Scout developed some rub holes on the back edges, I used a soldering iron and some black plastic wire ties to make the repair. Just melt the sled material and melt/add the wire ties to the sled material. Continue to work it in and smooth it out. It worked great and I was even able to drill/bolt on new hi-fax runners through the repaired area and it was as good as original. I had tried JB Weld before and it didn't last 3 trips before breaking up again. Probably goes without saying, but make sure you have some ventilation and at least a cheap Dr mask, the melting plastic is pretty nasty.
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I'm going through same thing. I have a clam one man thermal. 2 back pieces have holes worn in from dragging.
Aside from that pullover is mint. Kind of disappointed. I take good care of my gear, this hub has been used 2 seasons for a total of maybe 15 to 20 trips. Only time it was cold is the season. Other than that it was stored in a heated basement 8 months out of the year.
Wanna fix to save for my son or sell it. I mean the fabric, poles, windows, seat are all like new.
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I'm going through same thing. I have a clam one man thermal. 2 back pieces have holes worn in from dragging.
Aside from that pullover is mint. Kind of disappointed. I take good care of my gear, this hub has been used 2 seasons for a total of maybe 15 to 20 trips. Only time it was cold is the season. Other than that it was stored in a heated basement 8 months out of the year.
Wanna fix to save for my son or sell it. I mean the fabric, poles, windows, seat are all like new.
Just buy a replacement sled and install the Hyfax runners on it.
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Just buy a replacement sled and install the Hyfax runners on it.
The disappointing part is it's a newer sled - my older ones (Frabill 2 man and an old Clam single) never had a problem. I've treated this one much better than the old ones - and still got a hole. Still think it's a molding issue and ready to contact Clam about it. For the very small amount it was dragged and not on the Smitty - it's ridiculous and making me look at Otter for my next 2 man hut.
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Just buy a replacement sled and install the Hyfax runners on it.
That a backup sled now. I'm debating whether or not to replace sled or patch holes and put hyfax on them
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Flex Seal works depending on how bad the damage is. Much easier to put some old snow skis on the sled before you ware holes in the bottom.
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Hyfax runners will stop damage from occurring in the first place....Pay now or pay later....?
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You can patch plastic with a heat gun. You need a similar enough plastic, and practice. I have used plastic cross stitch sheets from Walmart to repair plastic ATV fenders. The trick with thin plastic is to get it hot enough to melt together, without turning all goopy and sagging out of place. Go slow, and try the smaller holes first. If you have another old sled, or some piece of plastic you know is the same, that would make good patches.