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Bladder Seam Fix

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast
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Windian

Since 28 Apr 2008
880 Posts
Newport, OR
NEWPORT OG



PostTue Aug 22, 17 12:36 pm    Bladder Seam Fix Reply with quote

So I had a bladder seam go bad in my kite the other day and decided to try to fix it myself. Tried using some marine goop and it would not adhere and the air pressure would blow right thru the dried adhesive, thus gave up on that idea. Looked on the internet at new bladders and it was going to cost me $30 for the smallest wing tip strut bladder for my 7m and that didn't include the shipping which was probably going to be another $10. I then had the epiphany that the seams are welded and I own a Seal Meal that I use for storing fish and other foods, so what the hell I will give it a try as I was about ready to spend the dollars on a new bladder.

In about 10 seconds the fix was done with a new welded seam and have been testing it with solid air pressure along with smacking it around and squeezing the bladder repeatedly. Seems to be holding just fine and am going to give it a go in my kite for the real test, but I think it will work. Just wanted to share my find with the rest of the tribe as it could save you both dollars and time to fix blown out seams in bladders.


   Seam repair.PNG 

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Pete

Since 29 Oct 2007
829 Posts

Opinionated



PostTue Aug 22, 17 2:02 pm    ! Reply with quote

Great idea!

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west

Since 09 Oct 2008
136 Posts
Lake Michigan
Stoked



PostTue Aug 22, 17 3:49 pm     Reply with quote

Seam seal definitely works....iron with wax paper, and a little trial and error will get you there too...always good to remember that if a seam on one of the bladders is leaking or blown that others may b comin around the mountain as well, beware!

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dangler

Since 26 Feb 2006
1742 Posts
WINDY SPOTS
XTreme Poster



PostTue Aug 22, 17 6:01 pm    seams Reply with quote

been using a seal a meal for years! when it gave up the ghost I bought an impulse sealer on Amazon for $30. works way better.
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blancoh2o

Since 15 Mar 2005
1153 Posts
Oregon
Phishy



PostTue Aug 22, 17 6:53 pm     Reply with quote

Make sure that the repaired bladder completely fills the pocket from end to end. If it is too short, it will blow out.
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pollywog

Since 07 Aug 2009
289 Posts

Obsessed



PostTue Aug 22, 17 7:42 pm     Reply with quote

mother necessity! That's a great idea! Love it.
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wylieflyote

Since 30 Jun 2006
1634 Posts
Puget Sound & Wa. Coast
XTreme Poster



PostWed Aug 23, 17 10:09 am     Reply with quote

Dang! I wish I had turn on the internet befire shelling out for a new bladder. I travel to rural Mexico where I'd be 5 months without a kite if something gives out. Will carry an iron and wax paper next.
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Kip Wylie

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craz z

Since 01 Dec 2008
130 Posts
Montana
Stoked



PostWed Aug 23, 17 11:01 am     Reply with quote

Is there a temp setting or correct heating method for the Iron method? and timing?

I tried several times. Thought i had it then got to much time under the iron and melted the bladder. Once i shrunk it too much I gave up.

I feel like the impulse sealer is the best option available. Again is there a time and heat setting that is perfect for seam repair or are they automatic?

All the videos i watched prior to trying the iron method never gave a straight answer just don't get too hot and don't keep it on there very long which is very difficult for a amateur kite fixer that has no clue what they are doing.

I really thought i had it and i think some pinholes showed up down the seam made another attempt and trashed it. Time and temp are the keys to making this work.

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dangler

Since 26 Feb 2006
1742 Posts
WINDY SPOTS
XTreme Poster



PostWed Aug 23, 17 11:26 am    sealer Reply with quote

impulse sealer is the way to go. really cheap. they have a knob for timer, it only takes a second. it shuts off, then wait a few secs and it cools, open (lift) and viola.

only works on newer bladders. don't even bother with your old 2008 10 meter Rev. , that requires tear aid or contact cement and spare bladder material.


   ImpulseSealer-nocutter.jpg 

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Last edited by dangler on Wed Aug 23, 17 11:31 am; edited 1 time in total

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Ho-Toe

Since 30 Apr 2014
231 Posts
pissed-off science guy like Bill Nye
CO2 quantifier & upwelling specialist



PostWed Aug 23, 17 11:26 am    Revlon solution Reply with quote

For those who do not own or do not wish to drop the money to buy a vacuum sealer, I have had good luck sealing poly bag material (same material as a bladder, different application) using a $10-15 hair-straightening iron from the health & beauty aisle of your favorite big box store. Get one with an adjustable heat setting...

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craz z

Since 01 Dec 2008
130 Posts
Montana
Stoked



PostWed Aug 23, 17 11:56 am     Reply with quote

Quote:
impulse sealer is the way to go. really cheap. they have a knob for timer, it only takes a second. it shuts off, then wait a few secs and it cools, open (lift) and viola.


So the knob is for timing and the heat is predetermined in the unit? Certainly would take the guesswork out of it.

Can you do long seams or perhaps build a bladder with one and can you overlap your seals if doing a longer repair? just curious doubt i'll ever try.

Quote:
I have had good luck sealing poly bag material (same material as a bladder, different application) using a $10-15 hair-straightening iron from the health & beauty aisle of your favorite big box store. Get one with an adjustable heat setting...


Whats the magic heat setting? Have you tried it out on a bladder?

I attempted on a epic bladder from circa 2011 or 2012 it wasn't clear like todays bladders but more of the dull opaqueish color type bladder material Maybe it wasn't the right kind.

30$ for a good solution is a steal for this type of repair which isn't super common but have come across a couple over the years.

like west said where there is one issue another is coming shortly sometimes a new bladder is best but if your out there with no access to repair parts any trick to save a session is worth it.

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