Good tip Shelby. The only thing I would add is that there are basically two types of 2-part epoxies. One is fast curing (around an hour or less) and the the other is slow (essentially 24 hours). Just make sure which type you are using, i.e., follow the instructions on the product.
fixing weighted chess sets with loose weights
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Sorry to dig up a relatively old post, but I'm looking to fix some rattling pieces in my new butter ultimate set. The King, Knight, and Rook have some slightly loose weights on the butter side (I haven't checked the black pieces) and minor piece repair is a "skill" I wouldn't mind acquiring for the future. Shelby's instructions are great and I purchased some 2-part epoxy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7VD07W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
However, I'm stuck on step #3 and I wonder if anyone could provide advice on *how* to accomplish this:
3) Take a small screwdriver and pop off the cap at the bottom of the piece.
I've attempted to do so with various sizes of flathead screwdrivers with no success. The cap piece seems pretty well stuck on there and it almost disintegrates if I apply the smallest pressure to the exposed area.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Hey All,
Been having a couple of customers call me and ask on how to correctly fix chess sets with loose weights. At American Chess Equipment, I want my customers to be the best informed they can be. He had been asking on how to correctly fix his loose weights on a Ultimate Chess Piece. People ask why not to use Super Glue, but pieces fixed with superglue always seem to loosen up eventually.
I appreciate the loyalty of all my customers. Most chess retailers would NEVER tell you how to correxctly fix a loose weight because they want you to buy another one. That is one of the things that make me different from the rest. I know how annoying the rattling pieces can be.
1) Go to Home Depot, Lowe's, or ACE Hardware and ask for a 2 part epoxy that binds metal to plastic. It should come in what looks like a huge syringe with 2 chambers. One side is the glue and 1 side is the activator.
2) Peel off the felt carefully.
3) Take a small screwdriver and pop off the cap at the bottom of the piece.
4) If the weight is rattling it means it is loose. The weight should come out relatively easily.
5) Grab a disposable cup and a mixing stick (make sure both are disposable) and squeeze out a small amount from both sides of the glue container in the cup and mix up thoroughly. Apply the mixed glue and activator to the weight and inside of the cavity where the weight goes. Make sure to not get any on you. It is a powerful glue. Put the weight back in the slot and wipe off the excess. Let the piece sit for 5 minutes.
6) Apply a little of the glue to the plastic cap and seal off the weight cavity at the bottom of the piece. Let the whole thing sit for an hour plus.
7) Use some Elmer's glue or rubber cement to re-apply the felt. Make sure not to use to much because it will cause problems on the edges.
You now have a chess piece that should never have a weight that will every loosen up!
Hope this helps,
Shelby Lohrman