PVC glue

[gregt]

I've heard that PVC glue can be dangerous to birds. I assume this is just before it's fully cured. It's ok once it's cured, right? I can imagine the fumes would be bad for them.

[Islandzoo]

Well I wouldn't use any glue near them just in case... except for maybe pritt stick?
But - I wouldnt' have thought PVA would be particularly toxic - is it not water based? obviously the worst contenders would be super glue, or the kind you mix together, or anything solvent based (MEK, Acetone) or Resins, alcohols (eg methylated spirits, white spirit)
but I wouldn't take the chance with Any kind of chemical things :) or any thing with a smell!!!!

[Shirley]

You let it cure completely first. I also spray all my photographic prints *outdoors*.

Our PVC bird shower stand we never glued at all. That way, we can take it apart, carry it like a handfull of sticks, set it up anywhere as a temporary small tree-stand with a toy or two hanging from it while traveling, and not have it taking up any room at all while in transit or storage.

[chacha]

I didn't use any glue for Millies play stand. The PVC pipes and caps fit so nicely,you don't need to use it.

[Jean]

I do not use glue on any of Elvie's PVC projects either. That way I'm assured of no danger of glue exposure.

I will make a suggestion. If you are leary of it coming apart you can always drill a hole for a stainless steel screw or drill and install a stainless bolt and locking nut. through the two connecting pieces.

[tims]

YOu all don't use glue ...because of?.. is it the vapors given off that is harmful to the birds or is it (also) once it is dried, and the birda pick at it that it could still be harmful (if eaten)?
does this make sense?

[Shirley]

B/c the parts stay together w/o the glue. In our case, we prefer to be able to take it apart for travel. If it were a big bird stand, and we wanted it to be really stable and never come apart, then we'd glue it, let it cure for 24-48 hrs, and it would be fine.

:wavey:

[tims]

cool i woudl hate to poison Sid when he gets here!

[Shirley]

cool i woudl hate to poison Sid when he gets here!

Oh, not to worry! Just let it cure like you would for the fish.

:)

[morgavin]

pipe fitter for 34 yrs. PVC pipe and parts are designed to have an interference fit in the last 1/3 of the joint. Unless you have a very large and intelligent bird, it should suffice to just "dry fit " the joints. only after many times of assembly/disassembly might they need some other means of assembly other than the dry fit. Then you might consider the screw as suggested, or even a wooden dowel inserted through a drilled hole.

[Shirley]

Thanks Neil! I'm not sure that Dr. Cook's husband even glued the PVC stand together that he made for her...He may not have...He's real handy with those sorts of things, too. :beerchug:

[Jean]

When I have a need to anchor a secure bond with two PVC pieces I put them together, drill a hole and set a set screw or bolt where needed. Like Neil mentioned, It is still easy to unscrew and take apart if needed. And it seems to keep my single "cockatoo demolition derby" from destroying or disassembling it.

Neil, you sure are a man that knows his pipe. :thumbup:

[morgavin]

But - I wouldnt' have thought PVA would be particularly toxic - is it not water based? obviously the worst contenders would be super glue, or the kind you mix together, or anything solvent based (MEK, Acetone) or Resins, alcohols (eg methylated spirits, white spirit)



PVC glue is acetate based. This is necessary to soften the PVC for "solvent welding". That's the term used for gluing PVC parts together. It isn't the glue that's toxic or the PVC, its the acetate solvent in the primer, or if you use the one step, the primer is in the glue. Adaquate drying time will allow the solvent to evaporate. The proper technique is to clean all excess glue from the outside of the joint. It helps it dry faster and actually makes a stronger joint and would lessen the amount exposed. Used a rag or towel. The stuff can be a pain to remove.