Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:31:32 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301306#Comment_301306 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301306#Comment_301306 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 15:32:25 +0100 Rex
I only seem to ask questions relating to somewhat trivial things, and here is another.

Our rooflights are Fakro and too high to open/close by hand, so have the Fakro ZST pole to hook over the handle to twist open or closed. As is frequently the case with poor design, it is designed to save material rather than be sufficiently strong to last for as long as necessary.

Consequentially, one of the two supports had fractured and I have been researching the best way to fix and reinforce. Then I found the SuperGlue and baking soda solution. Whoever, the solution certainly hardens but does not adhere to the plastic so I have chipped it off.

There is an expensive solution, buy another pole which cost a mere £50. I am very reluctant to pay that sort of money when I only need a small plastic bit when the pole is perfect.

Which leaves with seeking some advice on GBF. Grateful for any thoughts.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301307#Comment_301307 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301307#Comment_301307 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 15:33:20 +0100 Rex http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301311#Comment_301311 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301311#Comment_301311 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:16:23 +0100 tony http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301312#Comment_301312 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301312#Comment_301312 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:40:26 +0100 revor http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301313#Comment_301313 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301313#Comment_301313 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 20:04:07 +0100 WillInAberdeen https://classicroofblinds.com/product/fakro-opening-pole-for-roof-windows-blinds/

£22


(Edit: or saw off the plastic fitting and.fix a large steel eye bolt or vine eye into the end of the pole? Not very hopeful about fixing that cracked plastic without it failing again before long).]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301314#Comment_301314 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301314#Comment_301314 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 22:13:20 +0100 Rex
An eye bolt is a grand idea; however, we also have the internal blinds so need the 'nipple' on the end to fit into the groove of the blind for opening and closing.

I am also not convinced that any repair will last long. Was intending to fill the lower gap with baking soda / superglue but as it will not stick.... Suspect that any epoxy will be similar.

Much appreciate the suggestions.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301315#Comment_301315 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301315#Comment_301315 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 22:31:51 +0100 Dominic Cooney http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301320#Comment_301320 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301320#Comment_301320 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:17:33 +0100 WillInAberdeen
£5 online for a plastic boat hook head, or get a lovely brass one?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301332#Comment_301332 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301332#Comment_301332 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 19:29:55 +0100 cjard http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301340#Comment_301340 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301340#Comment_301340 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:12:00 +0100 GreenPaddy
I would try to cut a strip of thin metal and bond it on each side, running from the nipple on top, along the edge of the plastic ring, down onto the metal handle. Then drill and fit some little self tappers (say 4) through the metal strip, into the plastic and the metal pole. If any of the self tapper pointed tips break the plastic surface on the inside, file them flat.

Will take a wee while to do, but imagine the satisfaction of a smug smile, as you utilise your rejuvenated window opener ]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301358#Comment_301358 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301358#Comment_301358 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:54:19 +0100 SteveZ
If you want to repair the existing poor design - why the hole in the moulding near the point of maximum stress? - try drilling a hole from the inside of the ring down into the base through the crack, probably at an angle for access. Use a full threaded screw through into the base and cut off any leftover protruding metal in the ring if desired. Epoxy resin is useful and would add to the joint strength - you could maybe fill the hole in the moulding with epoxy as well to cut down on any flexing.

I have recently made a curved pick-up pipe for my garage vac to clean my gutters from the ground. The curve is made from cut angled sections, glued together with pvc solvent weld, but to make the joints stronger I used ordinary staples, heated with a soldering iron and pressed into the plastic around each joint at the points of higher strain. You might find the same technique handy for your cracked fitting.

Good Luck!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301363#Comment_301363 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301363#Comment_301363 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:47:41 +0100 Doubting_Thomas
Or resin cast, using the broken one as a mould?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301369#Comment_301369 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301369#Comment_301369 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:48:30 +0100 neelpeel
Spread liberally all round. Maybe a bit of strong tape wrapped around after for belt and braces.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301375#Comment_301375 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301375#Comment_301375 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 07:46:10 +0100 revor Posted By: neelpeelAraldite. Love the stuff.


Yes araldite is good been around a very long time and has stood the test of time.
CT1 adhesive is acclaimed in numerous places.
I have not personally used it.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301428#Comment_301428 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301428#Comment_301428 Wed, 03 May 2023 11:45:16 +0100 Rex
Anyway, a bit of research and Fakro came up with the goods. Replacement plastic bit can be bought for a mere £6. But it comes from Poland via a distributor in the UK and has £12 delivery!!!!

So thought I would use my extensive Polish knowledge (!) and have a look at the PL web site. Managed to find the pole, and when converted the Zloty price, around £22 for an item that sells in the UK for double that. Someone is making a good profit.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301431#Comment_301431 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301431#Comment_301431 Wed, 03 May 2023 12:25:37 +0100 WillInAberdeen
If you repair it or replace it with the same design, then likely it will fail again in the same place.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301432#Comment_301432 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301432#Comment_301432 Wed, 03 May 2023 14:01:45 +0100 Rex http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301435#Comment_301435 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301435#Comment_301435 Wed, 03 May 2023 22:15:45 +0100 bhommels http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301443#Comment_301443 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301443#Comment_301443 Thu, 04 May 2023 13:11:59 +0100 Gareth J http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301458#Comment_301458 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301458#Comment_301458 Sat, 06 May 2023 14:55:25 +0100 CWatters http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301711#Comment_301711 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301711#Comment_301711 Thu, 25 May 2023 15:45:05 +0100 Rex
I guess they have had similar problems in the past and a small redesign has strengthened the weak area. I now have two so good to go for the rest of my life!!!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301804#Comment_301804 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17821&Focus=301804#Comment_301804 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 11:05:46 +0100 Rex
Bit of heat to the ali and the second fitted like a charm.]]>