Tag Archives: 5200

The Fifty Two Hundred Grip Pad

Often times difficulties with grip pads arise.  Delamination is common. Grip pads gradually delaminate over the course of regular use.  Most brands fall victim to this flaw. They start with the edges and gradually worsen.

Attempts to fix the problem with super glue will prove ineffective. The super glue works for a couple months, but the problem will reappear.

The answer to this problem is 5200. 5200 is a potent chemical composition designed as an adhesive. It’s a highly toxic chemical and should be used with care. All precautions on the label should be followed. It’s designed for use in the harshest environment, the marine (saltwater) environment. It is many boaters go to chemical adhesive for fixing things on boats. But, it can also be used on other applications.

Over the weekend I removed my grip pad and reattached it with 5200. I cleaned all the glue from the board where the grip pad was. I used acetone, a paint scraper, and a rag to clean the surface. It would be best to apply the grip pad for the first time with 5200, rather than reapplying it. Then, I abraded the fiberglass surface, in preparation for pad adhesion. I then applied the 5200 to the grip pad along all the edges and throughout the middle of the bottom of the grip pad. I made sure to wear gloves to prevent getting the 5200 on my hands. After applying the chemical to the pad I laid the pad into place.

It is now firmly in place.  After the chemical has completely cured I will remove excess 5200. The pad will now be impossible to remove and I should have no problems with delamination in the near future.