super glue applicator cleanup tip

[Todd Holaday]

I just recently read a tip that was helpful to me and am passing it along.  The super glue applicators routinely sold are basically a paint brush handle with a protruding metal end like a needle with the eye end notched.  I'm sure you know what I'm referring to, either you have one or have made one.  I have struggled with not being able to wipe away the excess glue in time to avoid a buildup occuring.  I had been scraping off the hardened excess and occasionally have broken an applicator.  Here's the tip.  Keep a candle nearby and very briefly use the flame to burn off the excess.  Works like a charm, keeps the applicator clean and its so fast the needle doesn't heat up and become brittle. 

[Des]

Thanks Todd for the tip, I'm sure this will be very useful for those who use the needle eye applicators.

Des.

[hiddeous1973]

I use that mehtod as well, just keep in mind that burned super glue is toxid, so keep away from the smoke and keep well ventilated. I have a collection of needles in handles and burn them of in a batch under the kitchen ventitator or outside if the weater is good. Needles are cheap and I seem to go through small paint brushes very quickly so my set of aplicators gets bigger every year!

[WarrenD]

Yep, I use a small, disposable lighter. I'm too much of a danger to myself and others to keep a lit candle on the workbench. 

Warren

[uncletony]

I keep my applicator (needle stuck into a wine bottle cork) with the tip soaking in a small jar of acetone. Always ready, no muss, no fuss.

[jknaus]

Ditto for me to clean the tip. I use a lighter. Also before I saw that these items were being sold I used to make mu own applicators. Some sewing needles nicked from my whif and inserted into a piece of brass tubing with a round tooth pick jammed in to hold the needle in place. Then cut off the tip of the eyelet. I had a few different sizes so I could use whatever amount of ca I needed, e.g. small tip for small quantity in tight area up to a medium tip for filling. When the eyelet finally broke it was easy to remove the wood jam and pull the needle out and replace it.
James