Has anybody found a good substitute for Dave's Flexament?
I do not use it fast enough and the thinner will not bring it back to the right consistency.
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Has anybody found a good substitute for Dave's Flexament?
I do not use it fast enough and the thinner will not bring it back to the right consistency.
sorry cant help. i've never used it.
Hi David,
You have to use quite a bit of the thinner to get it to be as fluid as it comes new in the jar. Unless it's super dried out, it should easily become runny again after adding more thinner, a little at a time. Toluene is about the easiest to get and best sub for Dave's thinner. I've got two bottles that I've been using for years that have never gotten to the point where it doesn't thin out. It does take a lot of the thinner though. If your not going to be tying or using it for a while, put some scotch tape around where the cap meets the bottle for a better seal.
There are all kinds and types of cements and nail polishes out there that you can use in place of it too. It would help if you mention what your tying. I actually use Tuffilm and Sally Hansons way more than Dave's Flexament most of the time.
Regards,
Mark
Like Mark said, Toluene works as a thinner (in a well ventilated area). Thinned Shoe Goo/Goop is pretty much the same as Flexament if you're looking for a cheaper substitute.
Regards,
Scott
I make my own with Toluene and Goop and actually last time I had part of a tube of Marine Goop and used it to make about a pint. Last long time like that. Works like a charm. However I also like Softex a good bit for some things that either can be used for.
Skip
David,
They make a coating for tool handles that you can find at most hardware stores called Plastidip. Comes in several colors including clear. Works about the same, and you can thin it with Toluene to ge teh consistency you want. It also comes in a spray.
You can get a similar type product by thinning down Goop or similar products.
But, you mentioned that your problem was that it was hardening up on you before you could use it all....doesn't sound like you are using much of it, so:
Here's a 'tip' for keeping the Dave's Flexament 'good' for as long as possible.
Buy a fresh bottle and a fresh bottle of thinner. Get an eye dropper someplace. You'll also want some thicker plastic sheeting. Something from packaging or off a roll of plastic film. 2 mil or therabouts.
After the first 'use' of the flexament, when you are done with it for that session. Take the eye dropper and add a few drops of thinner on top of the stuff, just enough to 'cover'. If you tap the bottle against the bench top before you do this to level it out, it won't take much.
Use the top of the jar to trace out and cut a piece of the plastic sheeting to 'fit' the jar. Carefully slide this down on top of the liquid and gently press on it until all the air is out.
Tightly cap the flexament and put it in a cool, dark place.
It will last longer this way, but it won't last forever. This stuff does seem to cure in the bottle.
Buddy
I have brought many a bottle of almost solid "flexament"...[read that Shoo Goo/ Goop]...back to thin by adding toluene...as stated above..Often has to be left sitting for several days and toluene added accordingly.
I usually buy Marine Goop for whatever repairs or projects.... and when it eventually gets thick/harder in the tube I will cut the tube open and salvage it in a jar and add toluene....I pretty much have an endless supply of it ....of various consistencies.....sitting around in bottles .
No point in spending the $$$ for the small bottle of Dave's....IMO
Plastidip as mentioned seems to be the substitute for Softex...hard to come by in the clear color.
What they said....Shoo Goo or Goop and Toluene. Be sure to work with this stuff OUTSIDE.
"
Toluene: Risk to Human Health
Low to moderate levels of toluene inhalation can cause confusion, tiredness, weakness, nausea, loss of memory, loss of appetite, as well as color vision and hearing loss. When exposure to toluene is discontinued, these symptoms typically disappear. On the other hand, unconsciousness, or even death, can result to inhalation of high concentrations of toluene.
Ingestion and swallowing can cause abdominal pain and spasms and other symptoms akin to those of toluene inhalation. Direct skin contact can cause irritation and toluene can be absorbed through the skin. Toluene causes severe irritation with redness and pain when it makes contact with the eyes.
There have been reports of anemia, bone marrow disorders, and decreased blood count due to constant exposure to toluene even in small concentrations. It also has a defatting capacity which results to redness and drying of the skin as well as dermatitis. Toluene is also known to aggravate existing medical conditions such as those with skin disorders and kidney or liver disorders. Alcohol consumption is known to enhance the toxic effects of toluene. It is also very harmful to pregnant women. "
Duckster,
You're right. I got the Softex and the Flexament mixed up.
Won't be my first mistake today.
Buddy
Xylol (Xylene) works as a thinner too if you cant find toluol (toluene). I keep the mixture capped all the time when using it except when applying it.