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Need to repair a cracked plastic container? While your first thought might be to just toss the bin and replace it, you can actually fix a cracked plastic container through a relatively simple welding process. The supplies required are pretty basic, and you can do this job with beginning welding skills. Read on to find out how to weld plastic together!

Materials You Will Need:

• The bin you need to fix
• A welding gun and rod
• Soap and water (to wash the bin first)
• 80-grit and 150-grit sandpaper
• Safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself while you are working
• Clamps or tape
• Water-based solvent
• A well-ventilated workspace to protect you from fumes

1. Get your welding gun and preheat it for a period of 20 minutes or more.

2. Wash your plastic bin using soap and water and dry it off. That way you will not get any dirt or other particulates caught in the melted plastic.

3. Once the bin is dry, you should do some sanding with 80-grit sandpaper. You only need to do this in the areas where you will be welding. Once they are smooth, you are ready for the next step.

4. Find a way to hold the plastic together where it is cracked. You may find foil tape useful for this purpose, or clamps. You need to have your hands free to work.

5. By now, your welding gun should have finished heating up. Insert the welding rod and you are ready to begin the repair process.

6. Slowly and carefully, move the tip of the gun along the cracked edges of the bin. The plastic will begin to melt, fusing together in the middle. In some situations, you might need to add some scrap plastic to make up for lost material (in a situation where for example you have lost a chip of plastic, leaving a small gap). Try to use the same kind of plastic; otherwise your repair probably will not work out.

7. Wait a few minutes (usually around 5) for the plastic to cool down and revert to a solid state.

8. Now, get out some 150-grit sandpaper. Use it to go over the join until you get the texture to smooth out.

9. Finally, it can be helpful to go over the surface with a water-based solvent in order to protect your work.

Now you know how to weld broken plastic! It does take some time and preparation to do this repair work, but it is well worth it. Think about the money you can save. After you have welded your cracked bins back together, you may very well discover that it is stronger than ever and ready to perform at its best for years to come. Plus, this is a great way to practice your plastic welding skills—which will doubtless come in handy around the house in the future!