Rubberized CF handle

Last week I was applying that spray on rubber to some of my tool handles and thought...why not rubberize my toughbook handle? So I did. You can get the stuff at most hardware stores. Right over the silver paint I applied about 5 or so coats to the handle while split...then reassembled the handle, masked the hinge arms, and sprayed a few more coats. So far it has worked out well and the handle of my cf-29 still snaps right into place. Last week while on excavation in western New Mexico back country we were hammered by 50mph winds...we were essentially sandblasted. The rubber held up well.

If you do do this make sure to apply many coats...a few wont cut it...the more the better. Also give it a long dry time so it gases off and the rubber cures.

 

Kusa, that handle looks real nice. Do you think that the rubber coating improves the feel when you move the unit around?

 

I use that rubberized stuff but have used the dipping kind. I coated all my pliers, wrenches, etc. It definitely gives the handle a nicer, padded feel.

Good work!

 

Ya the feel is nice. You can also use a section of 0.5 or .75" diameter bicycle inner tube and slip it on the handle while wet, once it dries is stays in place...works good but does not look so nice. I first tried the dip but I could not get an even coat.

 

Its going to peel in any serious rugged use, I know as I used the stuff before for OTHER items that would be used in the field. Best way is a hard coat paint.

 

great idea!

This is going on my "to do" list for my 29.

edit: is this natural rubber in the handle or some form of polymer? I need to know what to paint over the rubber with.

 

With all due respect it1956,

Im not going for visual effect. Whats the is the difference between the original paint and hardened black other than less visibility? Im not doing recon in hostile territory...

As far as rugged conditions go...Im in them! If you are wearing sand paper gloves well then thats a different story. If it peels...re-apply or dont use it. After 9 straight 12 hour days in the sandy desert with high winds, hands covered with sandy loam...Im still cleaning sand and silt off this machine but the rubber on the handle is still there. It has not even began to peel. Im happy with that...if I have to re-apply next month...fine

I would not post it and waste everyones time if it did not hold up. Tuesday Im back out in the field (back country desert) for another 9 day stretch. Ill let ya all know how it holds up.

 

The product I used was made by Performix, "PlastiDip" the spray on, not dip. Im assuming its a polymer. As far as painting over it I dont know how the paint would react to the rubber...might blister.

 

I think you miss understand, I wasnt attacking your work I think its GREAT, But when laptops get Slammed around in Field conditions the stuff tends to come off. I live in VERY rugged area for Work and I get Extreme Temps to -20 degrees, in the summer there are Branches and Shrubs everywhere. I apologize if I caused Offense, I wasnt saying your Job wouldnt work, it just wouldnt work in serious field operations. You terrain is different, if taken and used in Iraq under field conditions you would find the stuff starts to come off with USER use, sometimes in the field you can be gentle with the Laptop.

But I understand everyone has their own view of Field conditions.

Sorry for any misunderstanding, I think your job looks awsome.

 

It1956,

No hard feelins. Rough day...didnt mean to vent on the forum...sorry.

 

it1956,

Ya yer right. The handle failed serious field test. Just got back from 18 days in the field and the rubber started peeling. The high altitude desert conditions (heat, high UV, cold, snow, wind, rain and sand) killed the coating. Im going back to using a segment of 3/4" rubber bicycle inner tube on the handle.

It was nice while it lasted.

 

Thanks for the long term test and being candid. I think that is how we will take our machines to the next level.

 

I suggest Paint as I never use the handle enough to get Blisters. lol Its mainly in a Pack and pulled out when needed while on standby.

I used that stuff before and while it LOOKS NICE it doesnt work the same. If your NOT too concerned about looks Use the DIP it will Last and you will be happy.

Also I would try a LARGE HEAT SHRINK. You can get them if you look around. Take the handle off and then Shrink it on the handle, that will work well also.

Lt

 

I'm not sure why you want to coat the handle of your computer, so I'm a little reluctant to reccomend this fix; but here goes anyway. Buy a can of spray bed liner from your auto supply or mega store. Apply according to intstructions. It's tougher than Woodpecker lips and is easily repairable.

I use it to cover certain tools that are used daily on my ranch. Holds up better than anything else I tried. Like I said, it's cheap and easy to repair if needed.

 

That stuff is like Duck Tape; you never stop finding uses for it, and it will hide a multitude of sins...

Tougher than Woodpecker lips?!? I snarfed Dew all over my rubberized keyboard on that one...

mnem
* heh heh...heh heh... he sed pecker lips...heh heh...*

 

If anyone has ever seen and IBM 600/600E/T20/T30/T40 series and felt the top cover, this is what i think that coating is like... its a nice thing! good mod!

 

I like the truck bed liner idea. It would increase the grip of the handle.

Woodpecker lips... Hey... This is a family website... watchit....

< I laughed my a** off on that one! >

 

Woodpeckers dont have lips, they have a beak. lol

 

So... you've kissed a few woodpeckers, 'ave ye?

:wink:

mnem:rolleyes2: