Alternative To Plasti Dip?

[DC73]

Are there any good alternatives to Plasti Dip for tool handles and such? I like the rubberized texture and the tacky feel but the product is just not as durable as I'd like. I'm wondering if there is something on the market that is more permanent and durable. Below is what I've been using (in black). Thanks.

DC

 

[rice rocket]

Rustoleum sells a competing product called FlexiDip, I have no input on the durability.

 

[rlitman]

I've never seen anything else at the store as a liquid dip product that is any better (or significantly different), but am subscribing to see what other people do.

In the factory (like Channellock), the dip is into a bath of hot vinyl. That is MUCH better than plastidip, but I'm not sure how you could make this workable at home.

I've had good luck with plastic handles you drop in boiling water to soften, and then push on. Klein makes these. I've also got a pair of small pliers that someone used pieces of fuel hose to make grips on. It's actually not too bad.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... I know tool handle grips ain't in the product info page,....

But I've used this stuff to get the rubbery type feel on tool handles, 'n None are peelin' off yet,....

http://www.geocelusa.com/product/al...ipolymer-brushable-repair-coating-detail.html

 

[DC73]

Ayuh,... I know tool handle grips ain't in the product info page,....

But I've used this stuff to get the rubbery type feel on tool handles, 'n None are peelin' off yet,....http://www.geocelusa.com/product/al...ipolymer-brushable-repair-coating-detail.html

Thanks Bondo. I may have to give this a try. Do you brush it on or dip tool handles into it like Plasti Dip?

DC

 

[Outlawmws]

Bondo, how much a gallon does that generally sell for?

 

[P0234]

Spray on bedliner maybe?

 

[rick carpenter]

I can kind of help you by letting you know that FlexSeal isn't as good as Plastidip. The FlexSeal gives a textured feel, but it wears.

 

[taumac]

Here's something I do.

The red is old 3/8 rubber air line, the Orange is PVC air line and the black is 5/8 rubber garden hose.

 

[cheechi]

I am interested in this thread but honestly I just use hockey tape for those that need it. Plasti dip is neato for other things but I never had much success with its intended use.

 

[Bondo]

Thanks Bondo. I may have to give this a try. Do you brush it on or dip tool handles into it like Plasti Dip?

DC

Ayuh,.... Things like pliers, I've dipped,...

It's thinner, 'n clear,.... gives ya the feelin' without the bulk,....

It Does act like plasti-dip, in that ya gotta get it away from the open can, or it won't set-up,...
It's own fumes keep it fluid,...

There's also a caulk/ paste version available in tubes,...

Don't remember what I paid for it,.... $35. a gallon maybe,..?? donno,...

I get it from a commercial roofin' warehouse across the way,...

 

[EarniesGarage]

I can kind of help you by letting you know that FlexSeal isn't as good as Plastidip. The FlexSeal gives a textured feel, but it wears.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I like Platidip or similar, but I dislike that once you open the can, it has a time limit before the entire can will cure. I'd rather dip and reseal for future use. I haven't found a good way yet to keep it from curing in the can. Maybe I should pour it into some plastic container that seals air tight instead.

 

[rlitman]

I like Platidip or similar, but I dislike that once you open the can, it has a time limit before the entire can will cure. I'd rather dip and reseal for future use. I haven't found a good way yet to keep it from curing in the can. Maybe I should pour it into some plastic container that seals air tight instead.

Put aluminum foil over the top, then put the cap back on. It'll last a few months like that, instead of weeks.

 

[Outlawmws]

Or lay some Saran wrap on top of the surface before putting on the plastic top, and use Saran wrap On that top as well. (Those "coffee can" lids just don't seal air tight)

 

[ChevyEFI]

Irradiated marine shrink tubing. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1971021&postcount=8

I used it on some Channel locks and it seems durable so far. Snugger to the handle profile than rubber hose.

I like Platidip or similar, but I dislike that once you open the can, it has a time limit before the entire can will cure. I'd rather dip and reseal for future use. I haven't found a good way yet to keep it from curing in the can. Maybe I should pour it into some plastic container that seals air tight instead.

Someone on here mentioned a product that dries out, and he would keep the lid on but puncture the bottom and tape? it shut to prevent dry-out. Not sure how that would work for a dip but it seems like it be worth trying.

 

[SlowAl]

Store the can upside down to keep it from drying out.

 

[MagnumForce]

Here's something I do.

The red is old 3/8 rubber air line, the Orange is PVC air line and the black is 5/8 rubber garden hose.

This drives my OCD out of control

 

[Outlawmws]

I've had stuff come in with grips made from hose. I don't like it myself, so it always comes off.

 

[taumac]

This drives my OCD out of control

I plan to get some new hose to make them all the same color.

 

[MagnumForce]

The hose in general not the color. Lol. To each his own, though. More power to ya.

 

[taumac]

I've had stuff come in with grips made from hose. I don't like it myself, so it always comes off.

The red hose hold tight. It was a " let's try this" and it was improvement of what I had.

 

[taumac]

the hose in general not the color. Lol. To each his own, though. More power to ya.

oh lol

 

[superUnknown]

Smooth-On Urethane rubber PCT 790
Tough and hard. I add a little grit to it and it'll outlast the tool.

 

[jamesd]

I've used this before:

https://store.gripworks.com/vinyl-plastisol-pails-drums.html

Here are the instructions:

http://www.vynaflex.com/How_to_Use_Plastisol.pdf

It's a product that is normally meant for PVC dip molded parts (little coin purses, handle bar grips, etc). It produces a coating that is just at thick and durable as the factory applied grips on my channel locks (in one application even!). It's a bit more work than plastidip as you have to heat the part and then cure it, I used a toaster oven, but the results are fantastic.

 

[DC73]

This drives my OCD out of control

Me too. Except that I don't really have OCD. I have CDO. Same thing but the letters are in proper alphabetical order the way God intended.

DC

 

[MG11068]

I just ran across this, Does anyone here have any experience with it?

http://www.gemplers.com/product/96513/Air-Dry-Plastic-Coating-Red

 

[KenS]

I like Platidip or similar, but I dislike that once you open the can, it has a time limit before the entire can will cure....I haven't found a good way yet to keep it from curing in the can.

If you have a Tig welder, shoot some argon into the can and immediately put the lid on.

 

[rlitman]

If you have a Tig welder, shoot some argon into the can and immediately put the lid on.

I do. It doesn't help. Plastidip isn't wine.
The issue isn't oxidation, but evaporation. You need a solvent impermeable seal. The plastic cap lets the solvent right through it.

 

[rlitman]

I've used this before:

https://store.gripworks.com/vinyl-plastisol-pails-drums.html

Here are the instructions:

http://www.vynaflex.com/How_to_Use_Plastisol.pdf

It's a product that is normally meant for PVC dip molded parts (little coin purses, handle bar grips, etc). It produces a coating that is just at thick and durable as the factory applied grips on my channel locks (in one application even!). It's a bit more work than plastidip as you have to heat the part and then cure it, I used a toaster oven, but the results are fantastic.

This site *****. TAKE MY MONEY, I want this! You win.

The only reason I haven't gone out and bought a gallon yet is that the shelf life is not that great. If they sold it in quarts, I'd already have placed an order.

 

[DC73]

I just ran across this, Does anyone here have any experience with it?

http://www.gemplers.com/product/96513/Air-Dry-Plastic-Coating-Red

Interesting find. It comes in 3 colors (black, red, green). All are on clearance sale and I couldn't find it anywhere else with a quick search. Makes me wonder if it will still be available after the clearance. Would also like to know if anyone has experience with this product.

Thanks,

DC

 

[pauls_workshop]

Are there any good alternatives to Plasti Dip for tool handles and such? I like the rubberized texture and the tacky feel but the product is just not as durable as I'd like. I'm wondering if there is something on the market that is more permanent and durable. Below is what I've been using (in black). Thanks.

DC

Epoxy! Use your extra floor epoxy from your garage floor job to coat handles on all your bare tools! Very tough stuff. - Paul

 

[DC73]

Epoxy! Use your extra floor epoxy from your garage floor job to coat handles on all your bare tools! Very tough stuff. - Paul

Hmmm. How slippery would the epoxy make the handles? I want something with enough tack to provide a grip with sweaty paws. Plasti Dip fits the bill but is just not durable for the long haul.

DC

 

[Alan Douglas]

Where I worked we coated metal parts with that vinyl plastisol and it was very durable. We bought 5 gallon pails from some outfit on King Philip Rd in Providence but that would have been thirty years ago. We eventually had the parts done outside so I brought the remaining material home with me. It doesn't seem to have any shelf life. You heat the part, dip it in the plastisol and a coating gels on the part. You take it out, let the liquid drain back into the can, then place the part in an oven to cure what has gelled onto the surface. If you cure it to where it starts smoking it gets very tough. Cure temp is around 400 F

 

[pauls_workshop]

Hmmm. How slippery would the epoxy make the handles? I want something with enough tack to provide a grip with sweaty paws. Plasti Dip fits the bill but is just not durable for the long haul.

DC

Epoxies come in all different flavors and types, but the good 100% solids epoxy will start to set in about 20-30 minutes. I'm thinking dip the handles of lots of tools into a small container of the epoxy, set them vertically somewhere above a tray where they can drip off the excess, then you can come in at about the 30 minute mark and grab the handle ends of your tool with your hands both wrapped up in a normal grocery plastic bag and your personal "grip" will be applied to the handles forever! The bags don't stick at all to epoxy. You could just leave those bags on the tool handles as is and let them dry that way, they will peel off easily when the epoxy is fully cured later on. I haven't tried this myself yet, but it is on my project to do list to try. If you wanted to get even more grip or such, you could mix in colored sand, maybe a nice gray color or something in with the epoxy and it would be a permanent part of your handle grips when cured. Worried about collectible tool value two generations from you if you do this? Well don't be, you can remove epoxy too with Methylene Chloride in 100 years and get back to original if your future self feels like it! - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

And here's another idea, Sugru! This is like a silicone caulk with a thickener in it. It dries rubbery but pretty strong. Could make perfect custom fit tool handles with it easily. Add coloring to whatever color handles you want. You can roll your own with corn starch or other thickener or sawdust and silicone caulk. Go to Instructibles website for project ideas. This is on my project list too. Would be much more rubbery and flexible than epoxy, but not nearly as hard and durable. Still more durable than most rubber tool handles would be from the factory. - Paul

http://www.instructables.com/id/Toolbox-Sugru-Comfort-Grip/?ALLSTEPS

 

[lilcraigford]

I've used this before:

https://store.gripworks.com/vinyl-plastisol-pails-drums.html

...

Not to take the thread too off topic, but I bumped into this vinyl products manufacturer the other night: MOCAP

They don't sell a dip product (what everyone is looking for) but they do produce a similar assortment of molded products as Grip Works. Doing a search for 'Vinyl Plastisol' turns up a lot of similar places that make molded products. This one did catch my eye: Plastic Coating Corporation

I have no idea if a service like this is cost effective, but it may be an alternative to someone that only wants to coat a few things and not be stuck with a surplus of leftover material.

Some others:

PDM Industries Inc

RCS: Rack Coating Services