Repairing Vinyl Floor? Use These Tools for an Efficient Plastic Weld
If you’re a flooring professional, you’ve likely repaired vinyl floors.
But what’s the best strategy for creating an efficient plastic weld, and what tools can help you achieve that efficiency?
Below, we dive into some key tips and tools designed to optimize your vinyl floor repairs.
The size of your project will dictate whether you’ll need a hot air hand tool or an automatic welding machine. Handheld hot air tools, such as the Forsthoff Hot Air-SE Tool, Ritmo HD-Pro Flow-Line Hot Air Tool, and Steinel HG 2220 E Hot Air Tool, are generally used for smaller welds, in addition to corners and hard-to-reach areas. Automatic welding machines, like the Forsthoff-F Automatic Welding Machine, are typically used for larger, longer welds, such as across an entire floor of a hospital or commercial building.
When using a hot air hand tool, you’ll also need an adapter nozzle and welding nozzle, such as the IHS 5 mm diameter Tubular/Adapter Nozzle and IHS 5 mm diameter Round Speed Welding Nozzle, which are used in tandem to form the weld.
Finally, you’ll need a number of accessories to ensure a clean, precise job. These can include:
But what’s the best strategy for creating an efficient plastic weld, and what tools can help you achieve that efficiency?
Below, we dive into some key tips and tools designed to optimize your vinyl floor repairs.
Hot Air Tools for Repairing Vinyl Floor
Before you begin your project, determine which hot air tools will best suit your application.The size of your project will dictate whether you’ll need a hot air hand tool or an automatic welding machine. Handheld hot air tools, such as the Forsthoff Hot Air-SE Tool, Ritmo HD-Pro Flow-Line Hot Air Tool, and Steinel HG 2220 E Hot Air Tool, are generally used for smaller welds, in addition to corners and hard-to-reach areas. Automatic welding machines, like the Forsthoff-F Automatic Welding Machine, are typically used for larger, longer welds, such as across an entire floor of a hospital or commercial building.
When using a hot air hand tool, you’ll also need an adapter nozzle and welding nozzle, such as the IHS 5 mm diameter Tubular/Adapter Nozzle and IHS 5 mm diameter Round Speed Welding Nozzle, which are used in tandem to form the weld.
Finally, you’ll need a number of accessories to ensure a clean, precise job. These can include:
- A silicone seam roller to eliminate floor seams.
- A brass penny roller to roll tight corner joints.
- A knife and seam probe kit to cut excess plastic and eliminate seams.
- A quarter moon knife to trim excess plastic. A stamped steel plate can also be used to help guide your quarter moon knife.
- A skiving knife to cut grooves with minimum hand fatigue.
- A stainless steel brush to remove waste from your hot air tool once you’ve finished welding.
- A thermo-groover to cut clean grooves in synthetic rubber and thermoplastics.
Tips for Repairing Vinyl Floor
To perform a successful weld to repair your vinyl floor, you’ll need to keep several key tips in mind. They include:- Use your hot air tool to remove the torn or errant flooring. You can use your hot air tool and a scraper to heat and easily remove the piece of flooring that will be replaced.
- Clean the surface area before you start welding. This is key for ensuring a durable bond, as any particles between the material and the weld will weaken it.
- Bevel the welding rod before you begin welding. This will help improve the flow of the welding rod through your nozzle.
- Use the right type of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Vinyl is PVC plastic, and because there are several types of PVC plastic, you’ll want to make sure you’re welding the same types together. This will create a stronger bond.
- Always roll and trim excess plastic. This will keep your weld as smooth and the repair as unnoticeable as possible.
Optimize Your Flooring Efficiency with IHS
Whether you’re an industry veteran or beginner, optimal efficiency is always an important goal. Fortunately, we are here to help you reach it. Call or email us and we can help identify the tools you need to improve your plastic welding efficiency.
- Robert Heater
