Sicyo's Silicone Index (Different types of Silicone!) *UPDATED*

[sicyo]

Here's the new stuff I picked up today (8.16.2009)

Click for bigger picture.

As you can see, I really wanted to see what my options were this time. I bought the permatex stuff in the can because the nozzle looked much more effective than the ones on the Loctite stuff did. It is Grey, on the far left in the above picture. It says that it is made for Rigid/High-Torque applications, with a temp range of -65 F to 650 F.

The Anaerobic Gasket Maker does not function like silicone. It does not temp-cure after even 2 hours. It stays relatively fluid, kind of like freshly poured silicone. I don't know what it does if mixed with regular silicone, might try that later. It is definitely sticky. But for now I'm cleaning it out and moving on.

The Hylomar Universal Blue Racing Formula is acetone. I figured I'd read up online before opening the $15 package. I should have noticed before, but it's also "non-setting." So I'm returning this and the 1.69 oz tube of the anaerobic stuff too.

Now I'm going to try the Mega Black Gasket Maker by Big Shot. Long story short: get Permatex instead. This is the cheap stuff that doesn't work as good, it fades easily.

Permatex PowerBead Ultra Gray: This is the one in the power canister on the left. The beginning of the silicone in this can is kinda rough but once you use it and reuse it, or dump some out, it works great. Especially wonderful for narrow recesses. The nozzle on this Permatex power can ROCKS. If they could stick this nozzle on all of their products I would have nothing to complain about. The nozzle does fine sealing itself and is always ready for a new use.  I think it's incredibly odd that they put the small nozzle on the big can, and the big nozzle on the tiny tubes. They really need to come out with a nozzle kit.

Permatex Ultra Copper: This is the stuff that has the highest temp range and is supposed to be the best of the best. It goes in nice and easy, it felt like it actually wanted to stay in the recess and fill it up. Also, this copper stuff doesn't look anything like the container it comes in, it reminded me of carrot juice. I'll throw some pics up tomorrow when they're done curing. This stuff has been in my Peak for a little while now and is holding up wonderfully. The surface doesn't chip, but it will mold to the shape of your string during storage. Maintains a good surface integrity.

Overall, I've figured out you can't really go wrong with any RTV Gasket Maker Silicone. It's up to your color & nozzle preference. I haven't been able to tell a terrible difference between the Ultra and regular kinds, yet. Ultra only comes in Black, Grey, and Copper. Here's a short & sweet guide for you.

All the colors do a slightly different thing, a different specialization if you will.
The red stuff ranges to 650 F and is meant for high temp and heavy-duty use.
The black stuff ranges to 500 F and is oil resistant.
The grey stuff is up to 500 F and is meant for high-torque applications, maximum vibration resistance.
The blue stuff ranges to 500 F, and also apparently "won't foul oxygen sensors."
The copper stuff, however, ranges to 700F, among other things:

OEM specified. Highest operating temperatures for 4-cylinder, turbocharged or high-performance engines. The most advanced, high temp RTV silicone gasket available. Sensor-safe, low odor, noncorrosive. Superior adhesion. Three times more oil resistant than conventional silicones; eight times more flexible than cut gaskets. Temperature range -75°F to 700°F (-59°C to 371°C) intermittent; resists auto and shop fluids and vibration.

Source: http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers.htm
Guide Straight from Permatex on choosing your RTV Gasket Maker: http://www.permatex.com/documents/GasketMakerSelector.pdf


Old stuff & review

Grey RTV Gasket Maker in Power Can
Made by Loctite
Bought from: http://amzn.com/B000F5QSU6

Black RTV Gasket Maker in Power Can
Made by Loctite
Bought from: http://amzn.com/B000F5UI5W

Examples of Use:




Post-Mortem Review:
It plays incredible, haven't needed to replace it. Don't buy Loctite silicone in the power can, the nozzle system is borked.

[fzzyrn]

oh that IS cool. pics of the recess?

[sicyo]

oh that IS cool. pics of the recess?

Just put some up with my webcam

[Aero]

I wanna give this stuff a try.

[fzzyrn]

oh wow that is REALLY clean.

very nice. will definitely try some.

[thatisandwas]

Does it fill in nice and clean? I tried a different kind of sili before i got my flowable and it was just all jagged and unsmooth...its hard to smooth it out in such a small area...

[sicyo]

Does it fill in nice and clean? I tried a different kind of sili before i got my flowable and it was just all jagged and unsmooth...its hard to smooth it out in such a small area...

Yep nice and clean, very level. When it first goes in it overflows the recess a bit. I use the curved side of a pocket knife, holding it over the recess, pressed against it with maybe a 45 degree angle leaning towards me. Then I turn the yo-yo half counter clockwise and the edge of the pocket knife smoothens it out and the excess collects on the knife, which I wipe off on a paper towel. Then I let it sit for like 20-30 minutes and gently rub off excess if it's dry. Don't be afraid to have a bunch of excess stuck on your yo-yo as long as the silicone is flat and flush with the yo-yo you should be ok. Remove it once it's cured, it'll peel off like that funky glue they use to stick in advertisements in magazines.

But yeah, end result is nice, flush, relatively smooth. When my wife is here I'll have her take some pictures of the process to make it more clear.

Oh, and 888 pictures are up.

[sicyo]

Upon further investigation...

Another cool thing about this silicone is it peels out in one clean pull. The black stuff is a little softer, the gray is more firm. The black has a little sparkle to it. I'm going to try seeing which one is better performing now. I was using one on one side, one on the other, but now I'll try both gray, then both black. This could take a while 

[yosiah]

Ooh cool, Im curious too see which one plays better. 

[Juki]

I wanna try some too. With all the different colors, has it made your string dirty?

[sicyo]

I wanna try some too. With all the different colors, has it made your string dirty?

Only if I don't let it cure for a while. The black naturally makes the string dirtier than the gray. Honestly, it gets dirty by the time I'm usually ready to swap strings anyways. I do use Alchemy though.

[dtsiakos]

which lack ddi you use? the high grade or te normal black?

[sicyo]

which lack ddi you use? the high grade or te normal black?

I posted a picture of the tube, a link to the place where I bought it, and a brochure of the different types.

[Connor1]

This stuff seems cool, also the yoyonation stuff sucks bad.

I don't know if I did something wrong, but the silicone hardened in the long tip, so I have to silicone without the handy tip .

[sicyo]

Yeah I had that problem a bit too, I spent about 15 minutes cleaning it out. It says to allow about a 1/4 inch or cm worth of silicone to come out and cure so I'm trying that.

[fzzyrn]

i just stick a nail in the hole.

[tagr]

i just stick a nail in the hole.

bow chick a bow wow?

[fzzyrn]

oh gosh get your mind out of the gutter.

[sicyo]

Figured I'd bump this. I still have the same silicone in both of these yoyos and they both still bind super clean & fresh.

[Ewski]

Figured I'd bump this. I still have the same silicone in both of these yoyos and they both still bind super clean & fresh.

Did you ever figure out which color you liked better?