EZ line breaking down after several years

[cduckworth]

Recently looked in my cabinet of finished 1/48 WWI models and noticed several pieces of EZ Line had broke.  Some of these builds are well over 25 years old.  Thinking back I’d probably attached them with thin ACC glue.  Hate to think about redoing all the rigging but going back to using fly fishing line.  I posted this information on Britmodeler and several others commented they’d experienced the same issue.  So…what was a quick rigging method turned out ‘not so’ great.

[macsporran]

I noticed your posts in both places, Charlie, and the replies and thanked my stars that I've never used the stuff, having tried it unsuccessfully a few times.
A lot of modellers here use it though and I'd think it essential to tension many proprietary turnbuckles.
Be interested in any feedback from Bob etc.
Sandy

[KiwiZac]

I've only used EZ line so I'm interested to see what happens with my builds - I'd noticed failures on one but put it down to feline-induced damage.

[Brad Cancian]

My experience with EZ line is similar; I used it on some of my earlier builds (~10-15 years ago). Over time, even without exposure to direct sunlight, it fades and stops having the ability to 'bounce back' to being taught if stretched or poked. It also becomes more brittle. Accordingly, I have to be a bit more careful with these models when I move or transport them. This is why I am glad I stopped using EZ line some years back; my builds in the last 10 years or so have used other brands that have held up better (so far).

Cheers,

Brad

[KiwiZac]

It wasn't until this thread that I realised the changing colour of my unused thread may hint at a problem...

[WD]

Any elastic will break down over time. Any of it. My underwear is a prime example.

Warren

[macsporran]

Any elastic will break down over time. Any of it. My underwear is a prime example.

Warren

Is that not less to do with the passage of time and more to do with exposure to noxious fumes and substances, Warren? 🤔
Sandy

[Alexis]

Interesting , i don't seem to have that issue with my underwear , just saying .....

I have only used ez-line a few times , I rather use mono line to be honest


Alexis

[macsporran]

I rather use mono line to be honest
Alexis

.... in the aforesaid underwear?
S

[rhwinter]

I rather use mono line to be honest
Alexis

.... in the aforesaid underwear?
S

Well, yes, I do, wearing string —— NO, that's OFF TOPIC!!

[Dirigible-Al]

Leave an elastic band outside in your garden and it will break down in not much time at all yet the Ezline I have not used is no different to what it was about a decade ago when I bought it. I do wonder what can be done to prevent it deteriorating or where best to put it. I find EZ line very useful and will still use it but that said I use mono more because it adds strength and rigidity.
Alan
 

[pepperman42]

My underwear has suffered " waist girth failure" on occasion. Deadly if you're mid stride in the Seniors Waddle-athon

Steve 

[WD]

Warning! Warning! Warning Will Robinson!  Thread drift detected!!! 

Warren

[Dirigible-Al]

I think you guys with underwear problems should re rig your underpants with mono.
Alan

[RAGIII]

Warning! Warning! Warning Will Robinson!  Thread drift detected!!! 

Warren

Yes Warren, you are correct. I remember someone on "The List", years ago warning of elastic rigging breaking and Destroying a whole wing cellule. Perhaps Shane Weir? Because of that warning I stayed away and stuck to Mono.
RAGIII