QuestionI have an old ring of my grandmothers with a black and white photo of her on it. I've worn it since she passed back in 1995. From the wear it snapped, it's not made of silver or gold but some kind of black plastic. Is there any way this can be fixed? Please, please help. I'd Love to wear my grandmothers ring once again.
AnswerMoray, thanks for this touching question. First of all, I am a worker in metals and not plastics. However, I have mended a few resin and plastic rings.
The secret is to find a cement which will hold the plastic. A two part epoxy cement is the first choice. Next is a cement made specifically for plastics...but not knowing which plastic it is hampers cementing attempts. Some will hold well while others simply seem to dissolve the plastic. Super glue is the worst choice of all for this sort of repair.
Try a two part epoxy cement. This is available from crafts shops or hardware stores. Preferably, do not get the 5 min sort that cures too quickly. A 2 hour cure is good, overall stronger and give you time to adjust as needed.
Follow the directions for mixing the cement carefully. Generally this is equal parts of each component (2 parts, one being a resin and the other a catalyst to make it cure). First of all clean the break with alcohol and wipe dry. Any oils from finger prints, etc. will diminish the strength of the new repair. Then mix the cement with a toothpick or similar thing on a piece of coated paper or plastic, like from a zip lock baggie. Regular paper will absorb too much of the cement. Plastic works the very best.
Do a dry run of placing the broken parts together. See what must be supported or held in place if need be. Since the epoxy has not strength until curing begins, some sort of support is needed, whether tweezers propped on something, a thimble placed to hold a piece in place where it will not move..you get the picture.
When satisfied you can place the parts together where the parts will not move apart, mix the cement. Apply a light coat to one side and press the parts together, supporting as needed. After a while, the cement will start to cure but do not move the supports. Leave the toothpick or other mixing tool in the leftover cement. When that leftover is hard, then you know it is safe to pick up the repaired ring. You do not want to mess with the ring while the cement cures except to possibly adjust the fit to be proper. Do not apply too much cement or you will have runout which will be hard and difficult to remove. You want to use just enough to let the broken ends be covered without much oozing out the edges.
I hope this works well for you! : )
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. October 16,2007 9:10pm
