Glue for LEDs

bjblasko · Post by **bjblasko** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:24 am

Can anybody suggest a good glue to use for holding LEDs in place. I plan on using low temp hot glue for LEDs that just need to be held in place on top of a surface, like inside an Enterprise saucer, let's say. What I need to know is what to use for ones that fit throgh a small hole that's split, like the nacelle lights on an Enterprise model. he LEDs need to be mounted before the parts are put together. Will regular model cement, like Testor's work?

Joseph Osborn · Post by **Joseph Osborn** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 9:21 am

I use 5-minute epoxy to secure LED's into place in my lighted models. Epoxy won't attack or weaken the plastics and won't frost things like super glue.

MillenniumFalsehood · Post by **MillenniumFalsehood** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:37 am

Superglue for me. It provides a quick, secure bond to the LED that is nigh-impossible to break.

Glorfindel · Post by **Glorfindel** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 9:49 am

Sorry Ty I'm gonna go with Mr. Osborn on this one. 5-minute epoxy for me is the way to go. I tried the CA but could never get the stuff to stick. Maybe I'm using the wrong CA. Which brand are you using that bonds the LED's well?

Mr. Engineer · Post by **Mr. Engineer** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 11:19 am

The transparent 'bulb' of the LEDs are actually resin so, normal glue just does not work. What I do nowadays is to either epoxy it, hot melt it, fit it onto a plastic tab, design the circuit board to fill the space or well, just use a LED holder...

But I don't use superglue no more since the stuff I do are usually 'portable'

robiwon · Post by **robiwon** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 3:37 pm

Super glue (it can still frost the lens, be careful) 5 minute epoxy, hot glue and JB Weld are all in my bag of tricks for securing LEDs.

starmanmm · Post by **starmanmm** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 11:14 pm

Another product to try... called "House Hold Cement"... it is made by the people that make super glue. From what I have read, some people have had decent luck with it.