[Boatanchors] Meter Repair

[Singley, Rodger]

One addition to Jim's excellent comments:  Be very careful not to get MEK into your eyes as it is very aggressive in attacking eye tissue.  Safety glasses are an excellent idea while working with this product.  

The worst packaging I have seen is the way MEK is often included with small fiberglas repair kits.  It is often packed in a little plastic squeeze tube and someone who is careless can easily send the MEK where it doesn't belong while holding the tube while puncturing the seal.

As the safety sheets suggest, if you get any in your eyes flush thoroughly for 15 minutes AND seek professional medical attention.

Rodger WQ9E 



-----Original Message-----
From: boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net on behalf of Jim Wiley
Sent: Thu 9/3/2009 7:24 AM
To: W8KZW
Cc: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Meter Repair
 
MEK is usually available at paint stores, Home Depot,. Lowes, 
True-Value, or most any other home repair or do-it-yourself  store. (in 
the paint section) in cans ranging from pints to 5 gallons.  It is 
relatively inexpensive. 


Use caution when using, be sure the area in which you are working is 
well ventilated.   If you  get any on your clothing or hands, wash 
immediately with lots of warm water and soap. MEK is not horribly toxic 
(it won't kill you in small doses if cleaned off immediately) but it is 
definitely not benign..  Keep the can it comes in well sealed and away 
from small children, and it is very flammable in either liquid or vapor 
form. . 


For repairing broken bits of styrene and similar plastics, apply small 
amounts with an artists brush and press the pieces together gently for a 
few minutes.  Hold with rubber bands or some sort of clamp for a few 
hours to ensure best results. Don't get droplets on the otherwise clear 
areas of the plastic, as it will leave permanent spots.


- Jim, KL7CC