I am in need of some guidance on adhesives that can be used on CF frames. I am the cycling mentor of a marathoner who is converting to TRI. He has a CF frame which has one of the rear dropout fittings [NDS] which is loose in the CF seat stay. It is captive in that it cannot come all the way out of the stay, but being loose it does migrate a bit, which tweaks the rear wheel alignment. I have been wrenching my own equipment for 10+ years but since it's all steel, my CF experience is nil. My "Desk Reference" lists several adhesives which *MIGHT* be suitable to secure the dropout fitting, but it doesn't indicate whether any of them would have any adverse reactions with the CF. I've read thru all the posts in this forum and have noted the mention of a product called "J-B Weld". Is this a good item to use to repair/secure the wayward fitting? Or is there something else that would be better. I really do not want to have to tear down the frame to make a repair, and want to be as non invasive as possible.
TIA
-dg

I use WEST epoxy, with various additives for just about everything. It can normally be suited to any task. They build lots of carbon products. You can find WEST in marinas, and you may be able to get cheap sample packs. You want the 105/205 or 206 glues. Not the 5 minute, etc...

There are a lot of epoxies that will work to some extent. Normally the better the physical properties the more you have to put up with otherwise in areas like cost, accuracy of mixing, potential allergic reactivity, and on and on. Normally stuff that mixes in estimated ratios from a tube, isn't the good stuff, (like JB Weld). However, socketed applications like this one are not that demanding.

Sound like one of the issues you might have is getting the glue in there since you can't completely remove the parts. One way to do that is to use a fluidish glue, like west, either work it back in there or pour it in an adjascent opening, and then let it pool in the areas around the fitting which you will stop up with tape or plasticine, hot melt glue, 5 minute epoxy (just for the dam).

Similarly you want to clean the part first, so swishing some solvent like alcohol in there, and letting it drain and dry well first, would be important.

Another issue is how you will maintain alignment while the materials dry.

I almost didn't reply because PeterPan1 responded so thourouhly, but I just wanted to add that the epoxy that was recomended for the CF I was using is 3M adhesive DP-460, It is a two part epoxy but not very fluid.

Many thanks to both of you for the info. The bike was delivered to me early this afternoon [almost 1600 PT here now] and I had a hard look at the problem. The plug inside the CF stay looks exceptionally clean; no residue to be seen. I would think that the WEST product might be the best choice for viscosity reasons. After looking the plug over I am wondering if it might not just be a manufacturing oopsie since there's no telltale adhesive trail. I guess my next move will to use "the googles" to see where I might scare up some as there's nothing remotely like a marina, or a lake, for a good 100 miles. A freshly watered planter constitutes a lake around here! Thanks again
-dg