DIY plastic car body panel crack repair using hot staples ( plastic welding )

In this video Tyler has a go at repairing the panels we cracked on our Land Rover Defender 2020. This methd uses hot staples that are melted into the plastic to form a permanent repair. This is a form of plastic welding.

[@JasonSobell]

On the .8mm staples you don't need to cut them with the side-cutters, you just bend them and they snap off because they're manufactured with notch to make them snap at the base. Also, weld from the inside, not the outside, and when you're pushing the staple in if you hold a wet cloth on the outside it stops the paint side melting and bulging.

[@robertivey3268]

Just got my kit yesterday and haven't used it yet. Took a look at the staples and you are spot on about the snapping off of the legs. Thanks for that info.

[@wait4karma]

I’ll be ordering a kit like that on Amazon today and I am glad that I read your comment. Thank you so much.

[@Wilbargosh]

I’m not very smart, but I would have tried stapling from inside the panel.

[@L663]

Not smart..... but smarter than me it would appear.....i could pretend it was better for the video...but i overlooked this option !

[@billtalbottownsville3635]

That’s a good thought . I do appreciate your openness and practical struggles .. this is way more informative than just seeing experts do it perfectly . Thanks

[@rafflesnh]

Just what I was thinking too. At first I thought there was an obstruction on the reverse side which would be in the way of the staple, but later in the video when they were attempting the 2nd repair, the camera appeared to show a completely flat surface? So why not do an invisible weld instead? Oh well, great minds think alike.... ;-)

[@Lamster66]

yes but the advantage of doing it from the front does give you that ,"DIY I couldn't be arsed, sothat'll do look" that you just can't get from professionals

[@norakat]

No you're smart, but possibly not able to get flush w the surface due to size of tool.

[@stevenmoran4060]

So many folk say I just plastic welded it and now you can’t see where the damage was, thus leaving us all in the dark about this sorcery. Now thanks to this video, we have a much better understanding of this black art. Your videos are clear and concise but always fun!

[@alanlobley6497]

Thank you for sharing how to do this as vehicles progress they most manufacturers will use more plastic in their vehicles as it can be recycled. Really enjoy your works Alan

[@gregk.6723]

Should do the repair from the back side. Also, give the staple a bit of a twist before it cools down.

[@old_con]

Good to see the stapler in use and how well it works, magic 🤣. 👍🏽😎

[@IAMPOPP]

I had seen these but didn't exactly know how it worked. This is amazing and I am buying one!

[@richardw7959]

By the time you finish breaking, fixing and riveting that Defender, it will finally start living up to its name. I am in danger of starting to like it! Keep up the good work.

[@L663]

Steady..... the hot weather is getting to you !

[@richardw7959]

@@L663 Good point. I shall go and spend the night sleeping inside my fridge. Hopefully I will be back to normal in the morning.

[@robertot8180]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@tonypacke6954]

A useful little device. I think Land Rover should add it to their page of service tools.

[@colinrimmer789]

Boys and their toys! What a great piece of kit.

[@wait4karma]

I love your channel I have a 2015 Range Rover evoke

[@michaelbamber4887]

Bet it would fix them rear quarter panels? That plastic stapler could become an official landrover product, in the tool bag. One trim removal tool and the stapler. ( new defender models only)

[@deltafoxtrot2]

I find these tutorials fascinating👍, I don't even have a Land Rover...😆

[@FLee-li8yz]

Thank you for this. These plastic cars get to me but they are also weigh much lighter which is good for gas/petrol.

[@s.e.automotive959]

Very helpful video. 👍 But the only question I have is, what kind of effect will it have on a bumper with paint on it? Only asking because I've just recently purchased one of these to finish fixing my front bumper. I'm guessing it won't damage the paint much, but still a bit unsure.

[@chrisjeff7069]

What a slick system. Those angled staples would have worked well doing this from the back side of the part. I wish you would have done and showed that. I need to look for such a system. Thanks!

[@L663]

Yes people have pointed this out !

[@malcolmturton9779]

I bought a similar stapler a few weeks ago, it came with a few staples but looking for extra ones it seems you can buy "precut" ones that just snap off with your fingers.

[@chriscs9080]

You don't even need it I'd you have a heatgun or something it generates heat

[@carlton683]

Well done tyler

[@beyondroaming]

Fantastic Job @Simon

[@norakat]

Question though is whether with mechanical vibration over time, if the metal staple will dislodge from the plastic ?

[@oldselection2012]

Enjoying ur videos! I have a question and i know its an old debate, am thinking of getting the 90 but am between air suspension or coils? So whats ur openion? Concedering i live in the middle east and our summer is very hot (45+ Celsius) and as i know alot of failures with the air suspension in the range rovers after few years.. So can u post a video with ur openion or about pros and cons, thanks!

[@billtalbottownsville3635]

I think it would be reassuring to know how much a replacement bumper costs ( it’s the buy likely to be damaged in off roading see you tube landrover Denver video) .. if the bumper can be removed with more limited disassembly .. the fundamental challenge of the defender is that it’s an expensive piece of kit to abuse off road . If it can be cheaply fixed by popping out panels , that could be not only gold but actually brilliant . .. piece of mind while off roading .. also the repair you demonstrate with the plastic welding is even more reassuring . Thanks

[@flemmingranch8777]

Nice and easy job.......

[@davidfletchfletcher]

Old soldering iron and paper clips for me. Spade end to melt the plastic too.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

That makes a very effective repair, providing you set it at the correct depth in the plastic, but using an angle grinder is not a good idea as it will heat up the clip and allow the split to open, these will sell like hot cakes! Stay safe! Chris B.

[@christopherjames5192]

Think he’s got a little crush on ol’ Tyler..

[@mikeclark4416]

As Michael rightly says ,It should be apart of the Defender tool kit

[@kevterseasta]

Never knew hot stapling was a thing, thank you. But please invest in a proper camera, you are a proper you tuber now. Love your videos ! Wheel arch protectors next ?

[@billtalbottownsville3635]

Yes just touch the phone screen to focus it !! Please . Do appreciate the content

[@alanottley]

Very interesting...

[@Tools-awesomeness]

I’ve seen a plastic hot staple gun shaped one in an advertisement on Facebook, uses similar welding staple, it seems very useful at times fixing stuff around the house, but really with all of 50’s of different kind of staples, i suppose they’re disposable & for one use only right?

[@L663]

Yes the whole point of the system is that the metal staple becomes part of the product you are fixing often making it stronger that the original just plastic part.

[@geeman5294]

Best done the welding from underneath

[@kornelijekovac9793]

How is this supposed to hold anything? Isn't the idea for the pins that are orthogonal to the surface to stick into two parts of material that are split, and to be connected with a wire that is parallel to the surface, BUT that is not inside the material, thus breaking it's structure?

[@alfie_b99]

Drinking game.... take a shot every time Simon says Tyler 🥃

[@darkshadowsx5949]

drinking games are for ( bad words i cant say because YT will delete my comment) yeah... if you want to pretend to be an irresponsible teen then go ahead.

[@markdougherty1636]

Awesome tool. Reminds me of a cattle branding iron. Where can I purchase one?

[@L663]

They are on ebay look for "hot stapler" or similar... they are indeed simple but effective !

[@christianfranco3288]

Could you use a normal soldering gun if you don’t have that one ^?

[@bradleypaterson9430]

Hi Where did you get this from, please can I have the link I’ve seen similar ones on eBay but none that come with the mesh and extra ends Thanks

[@L663]

Hi - i think i built this kit up from several sources and put the case together..... sorry.

[@rafflesnh]

Never knew about the hot stapler, so thanks for that. But for not attempting an invisible repair, well ......... ;-)

[@L663]

I should have done this from the rear of the panel - it would have been more invisible then !

[@rafflesnh]

@@L663 I think the heat is getting to you guys! ;-)

[@AronPeters]

I reinforce the stich with JB Weld's Plastic Weld.

[@L663]

Good idea !

[@mercedes_and_more]

I am sure this is only a demo (?) but it is supposed to go on the rear of the panel and it stabilises the split do that you can then fill the front and then repaint..

[@L663]

Yes correct.... to be honest i just forgot....but i think it was better for a demo !

[@mercedes_and_more]

I can understand that - just wanted to make it clear for the non technical 😵😵

[@MrXcc4u]

all repairs should be made from the back side so as not to show the burnt finished side. when possible.

[@rajarehman9392]

Any online link from Amazon or ebay would be great.

[@L663]

Sorry for delay www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-Repair-Corded-Plastic-Hot-Weld-Stapler-Kit-SMART-Repair-FREE-SHIPPING/363164597216?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item548e4bfbe0:g:hpYAAOSwDchfqCU4&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickkBSh1VzQSTzkTiSV5EE%252FHQVf679EFtovC2tZkNYQNx6SYJrHf2BMrz5X39AR6BDiCo2xOGxNsAQ1YdN24RUOiiYzM8z9ydriLlPBPg7Tzm4M%252FXtOvb4Dk%252Bp3w%252FK37ZdIfFdVYNzyHgBvhS0DtfIDY8PZafW6n2g%252BS%252BuMfNb%252BVRNbOrRWguGNzSIYz4z23yTQqzwuagXZn%252FrmUmPQS5DEhK8juHHrTFpAIL%252FksrPg7SujcFe%252F9SMUcpw8GJMz2xLBZCtyMRAV%252FFzmchrmCJpn4hVPUcXd6qn9ryvC6Xwqy9grJm28mG%252FQnSSiNfRgVa5bFVfz9ItkrrNOzPoB3Rcp7aJlT%252BRC1g96RsRQifRXeMfUq9q%252BRskTNGkYaNqQWfuTsuzkps1UKIdna1%252FtRA0R0d1xSmPZelPzL%252B7AOt06BiIKsuWxWTF5D9NriyFMj5c0biAQ4DFz0ZVIi6QESPPsUC%252FGxnsUNeClzZTR%252B7anCjxgWhPcIV%252BhLCxqi33ZbGnTzalj0Kii0QSzNQS0cKN4H3UXxEp6dGphbXPA2GT5GBC362TVb7OTJmTej619y8h5Rgr8YfassNDxclBRtK1hYyvnrJWBEEfFmbCWnzzkK5jl3kScYMBAUVh%252B11r19y3K2galIilJTYT1dp%252B0xyNq0gwE8PKiV1yhxrYYXCDCXfYt7%252FHO6LT2jN3TiZhglN2f1L4FFiL9Nt%252BI1ZMh2MbzVfQ3jWD0cIgS0HKh5fQtaFp2uPPiVe8Vpk9KZLzlLVCuXpR9SZJuKs2%252FtZGN27Vyupg%253D%253D%7Ccksum%3A36316459721610dac20d86c94e3faf865826ee6581f7%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524

[@views8962]

is that david brent instructing?

[@chrisarnold4709]

19 Tyler's counted in 9minutes.......that would be a very very messy drinking game.....🍻🍻🍻🥃🥃🥃

[@PaletoB]

Never though I'd see someone ripping of pannels and doing home repairs on a brand-new defender😂

[@L663]

it does have an old school Defender vibe !

[@billtalbottownsville3635]

Yes it does have that vibe . ! I was coming concerned Re the plastic nature .. but when fitted the bumper are structurally very strong ( I was also concerned after seeing your video) so had a close exam of the demo defender that has just arrived in North Queensland this week , to reassure myself . When you think about it plastic clips are the rivers of 2020.. you just have the ability to replace them if /when they are broken in disassembly .

[@imaz01]

Looks like cheap plastic to me if you broke a new piece which hasnt been seasoned.

[@coyote5735]

Cheap thermosetting plastic no fibreglass infill I bet. Let me guess they cost a fortune to replace?

[@rogertalley7944]

Believe I would've put that on the inner side

[@aqib2000]

HAHAHHA the curves from the “m” staple on the first attempt was meant to be on either side of the joint to make it hold. . .

[@SlingbladeJim]

Well Paul Barnett.......CLEARLY you are smarter than the two who made this combined................................

[@L663]

Paul is the man ... could not agree more.

[@ssgoods]

The first fix was done correctly, just the wrong side. The second and third were done on the wrong side and orientation. But fixed, nonetheless.

[@watcherwatchmen7785]

BMW and Land Rover should include these as an accessory tool for their cars. So much crap plastic in these things.

[@stefanos204]

Hi where can I find this tool . Thanks

[@L663]

lots on ebay and amazon - search "plastic welding"

[@stefanos204]

@@L663 thank you

[@Ottonic6]

Sounds like Russell Brand.

[@blowme5150]

The hells that on your thumb?"and why'd he do it on the outside ? Strange

[@JamesLivewire]

I honestly feel at this point, it’s plastic for maximum profit and it just happens to be handy that it’s good for safety etc. My friend used to work for them (something engine wise) and left because they are run by people who are only interested in short term plans and making money as quick as possible.

[@kimsungsik58]

High Discovery 4 Time Belt. I screwed it up. The car is not moving. Help me.

[@L663]

Ok so the engine does not turn by hand ( with a socket on the crank nut ) Did you take the starter motor out and fix the locking pin into the crank - aswell as put the locking pins into the camshafts ?

[@kimsungsik58]

powerfulukltd I replaced it with the hole that was fixed on the flywheel, and I had to tighten and turn the camshaft bolt, but I did not turn it.

[@kimsungsik58]

powerfulukltd It doesn't fit, I think I need a new one. The car isn't moving, so I can't go to the repair shop.

[@kimsungsik58]

powerfulukltd Please point me how to match it without a timing belt

[@L663]

@@kimsungsik58 basically there are 3 points and you need to fix them all with pins - 1- flywheel using pin in starter motor hole 2- camshaft 1 with pin through into the head 3- camshatf 2 with pin through into the head. Then with these all fixed put the belt on and it should be OK Simon

[@Classic_Re-creation]

Would have made more sense to staple it from the back so that the metal prongs sticking out are not an issue and the painted surface wouldn't be damaged

[@L663]

Yes read the comments - 1000 people have publicly shamed me !

[@spcwilson79]

Should have went through the other side instead of the painted side.

[@stephenthomson2196]

should have gone the other way so as not to see the weld?

[@L663]

Yes correct !

[@NewsYourViews]

Do if from the underside....

[@L663]

Yes correct !

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Why not put the staples on the inside were they wont be seen!

[@L663]

I hang my head in shame - see the 1000 comments saying the same thing !

[@MPjustaman]

8:57

[@kiefer7900]

Repair should of been done on the inside of the panel not the outer area

[@simongracnar5046]

Useful video but very hard to watch. 90% out of focus and fast camera movements.

[@L663]

We have improved our equipment - hopefully its better now.

[@TheDobbins39]

Would it not of been better to repair from the back of the panel. All u would be left with is a hairline crack showing on the front.

[@L663]

Yes there are a few people to point this out in the comments... I have to live with the constant shame !

[@TheDobbins39]

@@L663 no shame in it. I came to your video before I went to buy one of these staplers. I've got a bumper to repair. I just thought about less work for the side that's on show. If everyone shares their ideas and thoughts. It's better for us all. We all learn from each other

[@RickDrew]

.... annnd he welds it crooked....

[@TheRetiredtech]

How not to plastic weld

[@L663]

It worked !

[@BobKnar88]

Completely wrong way to do this

[@L663]

Yes you are probably correct - I have "all the gear - no idea"

[@carriehesketh3555]

@@L663 if you’re such a pro then make a video yourself…and remember this is a low-cost DIY. Obviously he should do it from the back-side and there are tricks and small things he should have done differently, but it is useful for small repairs at home on the cheap.

[@shawnwhited3501]

Wouldn't it have been alot smarter to put the staple where no one can see it duhhbb like on the inside u would never work on any of my ride ahhh no no common since getting past around here much Lmfao

[@L663]

I could reply with "would it not have been a lot smarter to read the comments below before adding this one.....no common senss here... LMFAO" but i am too much a gent to stoop this low !

[@jeffery6813]

Maybe if you weren't flapping your jaws quite so much!!!

[@L663]

Noted !