Adhesives - mounting clips and controls in the box.

[Andrew]

Hey guys, Im looking for some recommendations for sticking things like soundhole-mounted controls and wire clips inside acoustics. At the moment I have a Fishman Matrix Infinity soundhole control thats uncooperative (the original sticky stuff got boogered). Sometimes double sided tape or carpet tape work well enough, but sometimes it doesnt work at all despite cleaning the wood etc. Ideally it would be nice to find something I can find easily in hardware stores or whatever. It seems unnecessary to have to place a direct order for the manufacturers adhesive for a few small items and have to pay shipping and duty. I considered sealing the area with a little shellac first, but there has to be something more convenient that lasts and is reversible.

[Greg Mirken]

I hardly ever do this any more, but I always found 3M double sided foam tape adequately sticky for the job. The roll is about 1/2 inch wide, and available at most stationery stores.

[Paul Verticchio]

Hi Andrew.

Greg pointed you in the right direction.

3M supplies double sided foam tape to ALL the quality pickup manufacturers. A "trick" I learned is to install the part and then let the adhesive settle in (cure?) for a day. I learned this after reading the Mfr's spec's on 3M's website. It's a real make it or break it spec.

3M makes many grades & strengths of their foam tape. I buy my foam tape at a local independent Auto Body Supply Shop. They stock the "beyond consumer strength" formulas. I'd imagine that the auto parts chain store suppliers would be able to supply you with the same advanced formulations.

I hope some of that info is useful :)

[Andrew]

Yes thats a little more specific, Ill look into it. Do you know what the intended auto body use is? Just so I know what to ask for at the local places without getting blank stares.

The stuff on the Fishman control was a softish gummy black substance, which held beautifully with no wiggle, but I removed the control unit for a reset for fear of steaming it. Probably unnecessary in hindsight. Anyway I wish I could get my hands on that stuff, but I fear it may be difficult to get a hold of small quantities at a good price.

[Paul Verticchio]

It's used for adhering trim pieces & accessories to cars & trucks.

The black putty like adhesive you mention can be found here: http://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-12-speaker-sealing-caulk...   For about $15 shipped, you'll have a near lifetime supply.

However, I also found this which looks like it meets all of your needs:

http://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/Scotch-Outd...

:)

[Andrew]

Cool beans!

[John]

I've had good luck with the things that won't stay stuck using light duty hot glue. It can be undone with a hot knife and a bit of work, scraping or sanding. You can apply it directly to the no longer sticky foam. Or to masking tape, if it will stick where you want it, then you hot glue your part to the masking tape. Works with metal battery clips on neck blocks.

[Andrew]

I picked up the automotive stuff Paul V mentioned at Canadian Tire today - 3M Molding Tape extra strength for vehicle trim etc, will give it a go tomorrow and see how it goes.