Gunsmithing devcon shelf life?

[veezer]

I took my browning a-bolt apart today and guess what? The factory epoxy was as soft as chewed bubblegum! So, I need to rebed the action. I have some leftover devcon aluminum that I last used about a year ago. Anyone know how long the shelf life is for it or what to look for if it has gone bad? The hardener looks ok and the putty is still soft.

 

[former naval person]

Re: devcon shelf life?

I've used the stuff that was as old as 5 years without problems...stored in a cool basement. Mix up a small batch and let it harden and check it out. I'd bet it is okay. JMHO

 

[GasLight]

Re: devcon shelf life?

my devcon steel has an expiration in 2015. But like said above testing a small amount out and checking seems like the easy peasy way to know

 

[veezer]

Re: devcon shelf life?

I mixed up a little. Will see tomorrow if it hardens up good.

Anyone else had factory epoxy turn soft? It used to have a light green tint to it and now it is brown with speckles in it. I never did get any solvent or anything on it. Maybe they just used crappy epoxy?

 

[GasLight]

Re: devcon shelf life?

I haven't personally had epoxy go soft, but I know it happens with some solvents, and even heat on some of the stuff. You will likely be much happier with the Devcon stuff

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: devcon shelf life?

I bought some Devcon a couple of days ago and the exp. date is 2014.

 

[ejg]

Re: devcon shelf life?

The resin and hardener of epoxies can tend to crystalize if
left in very cold places or after a long time.
One trick is to stick each component can into a tub of boiling water for a while. Have each component heated up to over 60 C.
Bit like crystalized honey.

edi

 

[veezer]

Re: devcon shelf life?

well, it seems to work fine, even though both tubs are near empty. I did have some old (about 2 years) brownells acra gel that didnt quite get hard enough but I may have not put enough hardener in it. The acra gel epoxy was kind of dry though.

 

[GasLight]

Re: devcon shelf life?

I would use the devcon over the acra glass hands down

 

[former naval person]

Re: devcon shelf life?

AcraGel is softer than Devcon. I don't know what the factory used on your rifle. I've seen some that looked like hot glue, and others which felt like silicone sealer. I sorta doubt they used a good two part epoxy. JMHO

 

[Clark]

Re: devcon shelf life?

I store mine in a hot basement, not a cool shop, so it is ready to mix.

I did someone else's scope bases today, and the 5 year old Devcon Steel Putty was still good.

It is so hot in Seattle today, that all epoxy is ready to mix.