[sdiy] Bathtub Caulk - Liquid Duct Tape

[Grant Richter]

Here is a tip I have not heard mentioned, but have seen used at every
electronics shop I have worked at.

Bathtub Caulk or Silicone RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) rubber

I mostly use the "clear" stuff but it comes in white, silver and black.

This stuff is usable for stabilizing nearly anything in the electronics
world. Gluing mod wires to PCBs is on example. Or tacking an LED to a Radio
Shack photocell to make a home made Vactrol. It is a pretty good insulator,
is removable and is real handy to lock nuts if there is not room for a lock
washer. We used to put a dab on each end of a socketed EPROM to keep them
from popping out during shipping. Makes gaskets, seals goof holes, keeps
pots from rotating (don't get it inside the pots), and if you are really
desperate, it can take the place of PCB standoffs (NOT recommended).

One note of caution - the stuff releases acetic acid (vinegar) as it cures,
this is enough to dissolve the plated copper inside a PCB via, so don't get
it into vias on the PCB. Tack onto a blank spot on the PCB. Also keep the
enclosure open over night to vent the fumes.