Spirit Level Repair

[tombell572]

I picked up a nice Port Austin aluminum level this weekend at a tag sale and the glazing material used to bed the glass covers over the vial openings is cracked and falling out. Does anyone know what material is used for this? I don't think its typical window glazing putty but I could be wrong. The stuff in there now is a brownish red color.

Tom B.

 

[Larryjones]

I always thought they used plaster of paris.

 

[tombell572]

Larry, you may be right on that. Plaster of paris is used to bed the vials into the body of the level but I'm not sure about bedding the glass covers over the vials which is what I need to replace.

Tom B.

 

[rharman]

I can't imagine why regular glazing compound would not work.

 

[spike99250]

Regular glazing compound will work, I have done a couple like that. Bondo, j-b weld or any epoxy stick will also work if you don't have glazing compound.

As for the reddish brown stuff in there now, I could never find out what kind of compound that was (or brand). I used to work for a glass company and came across that putty in a lot of the older steel framed windows. That was the worst putty I ever had to deal with.

 

[rharman]

The advantage of glazing compound is that it is removable. I'd hate to need another repair and find out the glass was mounted with JB Weld.

 

[spike99250]

The advantage of glazing compound is that it is removable. I'd hate to need another repair and find out the glass was mounted with JB Weld.

Good point, wasn't thinking long term

 

[rlitman]

The advantage of glazing compound is that it is removable. I'd hate to need another repair and find out the glass was mounted with JB Weld.

RTV or silicone caulk would be what I'd recommend.
Or window glazing putty if you have it and really like the stuff.

 

[Zeke]

Metal sash putty (which is grey, BTW) would be an alternate.

I'd go with the POP.

 

[tombell572]

Thanks everyone for your input. I like Zeke's suggestion of metal sash glazing compound--it would provide some coloration and i'll d all six glass lenses so color match-up is not a problem. Also as pointed out by rharman it would be easily removable if I break a glass since the level will be a user.

Tom B.