Plastic Welding Rods
Pay in 3 interest-free payments on purchases from £30-2000 with 
. Learn more.
Loading...
End of content
Error - No more pages to load
About Plastic Welding Rods
Plastic welding rods are essential consumables used with hot air welding equipment to repair and join thermoplastic materials. Available in various polymer types including ABS, PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), HDPE, and PS (polystyrene), these rods melt when heated and fuse with the base material to create strong, permanent bonds. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade plastic welding rods from leading brands including Sealey and Steinel, compatible with popular hot air welding tools.
Each rod type is formulated for specific plastic materials, ensuring proper chemical compatibility and bond strength. Selecting the correct rod material that matches your workpiece is critical for achieving durable, long-lasting repairs on everything from automotive components to industrial containers and pipework systems.
Applications
Plastic welding rods are used across numerous trades and industries:
- Automotive repair: Fixing bumpers, trim panels, dashboards and interior components
- Industrial maintenance: Repairing plastic tanks, containers, pipework and machinery housings
- Marine applications: Restoring boat components, fuel tanks and water systems
- Manufacturing: Production line repairs and prototype development
- Agricultural sector: Fixing irrigation systems, storage bins and equipment covers
- Vehicle body shops: Professional plastic bumper and panel repairs
- DIY enthusiasts: Home repairs on garden furniture, storage boxes and household items
Choosing The Right Plastic Welding Rods
Selecting appropriate plastic welding rods requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Material compatibility: Match the rod material precisely to your workpiece (ABS to ABS, PP to PP, etc.). Using mismatched materials will result in weak or failed bonds
- Rod diameter: Consider the size of your repair area and the capabilities of your welding equipment. Common diameters include 2mm, 3mm and 4mm
- Colour matching: Available in various colours including black, natural/clear and grey to suit different applications and aesthetic requirements
- Rod profile: Choose between round rods for general welding and flat rods for larger surface areas requiring faster coverage
- Equipment compatibility: Ensure rods are suitable for your specific hot air welder model, such as the Sealey SDL14 or Steinel heat guns
- Quantity requirements: MyToolShed.co.uk offers rods in various pack sizes to suit both occasional repairs and high-volume professional use
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify what type of plastic I'm welding?
Most plastic components feature recycling symbols or material codes stamped on them (e.g., PP, ABS, HDPE). If unmarked, you can perform a simple burn test in a well-ventilated area or consult manufacturer specifications. When in doubt, test a small inconspicuous area first.
Can I use any plastic welding rod with my hot air gun?
While most plastic welding rods work with standard hot air welders operating at appropriate temperatures (typically 200-400°C depending on material), always check compatibility with your specific equipment. The rods available at MyToolShed stock both general-purpose options and those designed for specific welder models.
What temperature should I use for different plastic types?
ABS typically requires 350-400°C, PP works best at 300-350°C, PE needs 250-300°C, and HDPE requires 280-320°C. Always start at lower temperatures and increase gradually to avoid degrading the plastic or creating weak welds.