pliobond

abruzzi · Jun 26, 2021

Pliobond seems to be the recommended glue for replacing bellows. I have looked and have a few questions for anyone that has done this.

First, Pliobond is a brand that makes a number of different adhesive products. I'm guessing it is the "general purpose adhesive" that I want since its is "paste" form and comes in a tube, not the contact cement or high strength liquid adhesive, right?

Second, no where locally sells it, is there a alternative product that I might find locally at a Lowes or Home Depot? If not where do you buy the stuff online?

thanks.

reddesert · Jun 26, 2021

I haven't made a bellows, but I have used Pliobond 25 contact cement on a variety of things, and I will guess that the contact cement is what people are using. You can buy it at any Ace Hardware store AFAIK. The selection of things at local hardware stores is often different, and sometimes better, than the big box stores.

Another type of contact cement is DAP Weldwood, but I don't know if it's equally suitable.

Be aware that the low-VOC formula, Pliobond 25 LV, is pretty stinky. Don't use it in the kitchen and be ready to air out the piece you glue.

jay moussy · Jun 26, 2021

Local Ace Hardware stores near me (3) did not have any...

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 26, 2021

I've used the contact cement for repairing loose camera covering and bellows patches. The attraction is that it's flexible. In New York I used to get it at the hardware store. Haven't done that kind of repair since moving to Hawai'i where shipping restrictions can sometimes be a problem with flammable substances, but you're on the East Coast, so maybe try a different hardware chain, or maybe you can find it online.

gone · Jun 26, 2021

I would actually want a high strength adhesive to glue the bellows to the camera, maybe not so much for the lens board end. There's a lot of products out there that will do the job, everyone has their favorites. Weldwood or contact cement would certainly do it). I once owned an old 4x5 Graphic View that needed a new bellows, and the hardest part of the job was getting the old bellows off. They glued it on w/ something that absolutely held tight. Ended up cutting the bellows out and taking a putty knife to get the old bellows/glue off.

4season · Jun 26, 2021

abruzzi said:
First, Pliobond is a brand that makes a number of different adhesive products. I'm guessing it is the "general purpose adhesive" that I want since its is "paste" form and comes in a tube, not the contact cement or high strength liquid adhesive, right?

Not aware of any special properties of Pliobond contact cement versus similar products including Dap Weldwood and Walthers Goo, save that Pliobond and Goo can be had in handy tubes which are a bit more convenient for small jobs. All can make a mess with "strings" if you are careless. For camera bellows, I think these are good choices, less so for leatherette camera body coverings, where they can make make future servicing difficult.

BobD · Jun 26, 2021

The most common form of Pilobond says "General Purpose Adhesive" on the tube. It is also known as Pliobond 20 or Ruscoe P141.

There are also types -- 25,30 and others. I think the main difference is their temperature range and/or viscosity.

I know Pliobond is highly regarded by many but, before using it, I suggest removing the cap and getting a whiff of it. That is what your work will smell like for a good long while after using it.

abruzzi · Jun 26, 2021

BobD said:
I know Pliobond is highly regarded by many but, before using it, I suggest removing the cap and getting a whiff of it. That is what your work will smell like for a good long while after using it.

BTW, thanks everyone for your helpful info.

Kino · Jun 26, 2021

Do that ^^^ with the low VOC and you'll be cleaning up vomit...

pliobond

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency