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Calling all backpack repairmen: Glue for nylon fabric

Original Post
Patrik · · Third rock from Sun · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 30

Anyone got a favorite glue for nylon fabric that stays somewhat flexible after it has "set"? REI used to have a seamsealer in a tube that basically chemically melted nylon, so you could easily "fuse" two pieces together, but it has been discontinued. Any replacement out there?

Long Ranger · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 669

I've bought a two part seam sealer at rei just a few months ago. It was crazy expensive, but was a last ditch effort to repair a sleeping pad. Worked amazingly. Took the finish right off my dining room table too!

Ill find the exact product name when im back home tomorrow. Whats the repair? I would guess that stitching and/or patching would be a better solution, then seam seal anything needed. 

Hiro Protagonist · · Colorado · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 290

Not sure about ones that break down nylon to hold it back together.  But Gear Aid has a series of products in a tube for repairs.  I found them quite strong.  But for serious strength, I sewed the tear then sealed it with the tube of goo (Aquaseal).

Further, I looked at a few of them the other day.  They seem to be specializing their offerings - seal+UV protection, seal+flexibility, tear repair, etc.

I used a Speedy Stitcher to do the sewing part - REI sells that.

Justin Meyer · · Madison, WI · Joined May 2012 · Points: 47

I fixed holes in a Metolius backpack using a piece of cordura cut from another bag and some seam grip. It has held up very well for me and it is a little flexible though not like the original fabric. I can't find the exact product on the gearaid site though, as someone else said it seems like they have made the products less general purpose. It also worked well to seal a pinhole in a sleeping pad.

Glass Tupperware · · Los Angeles · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 40

Are there any specific repairs you want advice on? I've found that a sewing awl like the Speedy Stitcher ( speedystitcher.com/gallery/) enables significantly stronger repairs. I've used this on backpacks, shoes, and random leather projects; and I've never actually had any of those repairs fail. I even had a pair of disintegrating Moccasyms where I used the sewing awl in addition to seam grip, and the repair held up for the life of the shoes.

There's also iron-on seam tape that you can pick up at sewing stores.

Dylan Pike · · Knoxville, TN · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 555
Long Ranger · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 669
Climb On · · Everywhere · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 0

This is what I used to repair my backpack after a rodent chewed through it. The hole is large enough that I couldn’t pull the edges together but it’s held up so far. It’s flexible and waterproof. The directions say you can remove the patch after the glue has set but I left it there for piece of mind (patch is on the inside the glue on the outside). It is the brain of my pack so it doesn’t see heavy abuse but so far so good. The wrinkling is probably due more to my carelessness than the product itself. 
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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