Activators are used with anaerobics on inactive metals such as stainless, plated or anodized parts, with cyanoacrylates to cure excess adhesive or bridge gaps, and with some acrylics as a no-mix second component. They are usually solvent solutions sprayed or wiped on and allowed to flash off. Too much activator can weaken the bond or leave a brittle, white crust.
Stainless fittings, so hit the threads with activator first or that anaerobic will never cure.
Spray activator on one face and adhesive on the other; mixing them on the same face can cure the adhesive before the parts meet.
Also heard as
- accelerator
- kicker
Related terms
Anaerobic adhesive
A one-part liquid that stays fluid in air but cures when sealed between metal surfaces away from oxygen.
Cyanoacrylate
A one-part instant adhesive that cures in seconds when trace moisture on a surface triggers it.
Kick
To gel or cure suddenly, as in a resin kicking in the cup or a CA kicking with accelerator.
Fixture time
The time until a bond is strong enough to handle or unclamp the assembly without moving the parts.