3M 5200 What is it exactly

[ilbuildit]

 

   I always here on this site about 3M's 5200. I have used alot of their products that are two part that you must use their gun that looks like a high tech killing machine (I own the caulking type gun if it is needed) in the automotive world. I also asked my Automotive sales rep from 3M and he didn't know and you know how sales reps are about getting back to you on a product outside their realm.

   So, what is it's uses and what is it in general and where is a good source to obtain it? Local jobber, Marine shop, online?

   May be others in this community that this information would be useful to them as well.

   Thanks in advance.

   Lee...

[pelican]

   I always here on this site about 3M's 5200. I have used alot of their products that are two part that you must use their gun that looks like a high tech killing machine (I own the caulking type gun if it is needed) in the automotive world. I also asked my Automotive sales rep from 3M and he didn't know and you know how sales reps are about getting back to you on a product outside their realm.

   So, what is it's uses and what is it in general and where is a good source to obtain it? Local jobber, Marine shop, online?

   May be others in this community that this information would be useful to them as well.

   Thanks in advance.

   Lee...

It is a marine adhesive caulk... It is used to seal around rub rails,Chain plates , mast step, Screw holes, hull fittings,
and anyplace else you don't want water to enter. It come in a tube like tooth paste or you can purchase it in a caulk gun type tube. You can purchase it at most marine centers, but I would try Home Depot first. Our local Home Depot  carried it for half the cost of the marine centers..... great stuff

Ironically, the only thing that really messes a boat up is water.

Good Sailing
Terry

[idouglas]

In the West Marine Master Catalog 2006 (page 362) there is an excellent full page "how to" on sealants.  Subsections include: what they do; how they work; what to look for; comparing compounds, etc.  While I have not checked, whatever is in the West Marine catalog is usually also available on their web site:  www.westmarine.com

idouglas

[spaul]

Hi Guys,
thought I'd add my 2 cents on 3m5200. It is a great product but consider it a permanent adhesive. True, there is a solvent for this material but I normally use 3M 4200 which is more forgiving when removal is necessary. I consider that when anything is welded down with 5200 it's there to stay, and that may be what you want but I feel the distinction should be known by the use so they can make the decision. That way if it's a part that may need to be removed at some time in the future use 4200. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Steve Paul

[Craig Weis]

For me the 3-M 5200 slow set goop is the best for sealing anything that water is not suppose to enter into. Any hole, screw job, bolt thread, cable insert, hatch surround, you get the idea.
I think 3-M 4200 is fast set and I don't use that. Not enough working time. But I'm the kind of guy who enjoys watching glue dry. I often wonder just how this stuff is so good, the 5200 formula that is.

This stuff stays pliable, takes about three days to cure, two days to stop dripping and can be cut away for appearance as needed. Don't paint it. Get it almost anywhere, Ace, WestMarine, Builder Square, Fleet-Farm, sometimes Wal-Mart [refuse to shop here anymore] and many other places. It's white and can be wiped away with a paper towel for a finished look. I like it great stuff. Impossible to clean off your hands. When Palmer Johnson builds our 160 ton Sport Yachts we use hundreds of tubes of the stuff per aluminum hull. Good enough for me. Sticka is great also.
Let's see, 3-M 5200 is the only thing holding onto my Raymarine chartplotter 435i in my boat, and I don't think anyone is going to pry that thing off my bulkhead anytime soon.
To remove anything held on with 3-M5200...like the cast rudder assembly on the transom use a heat gun first to soften the rubber used in this product first. Skip.