Tear in Driver Rubber Surround

[slhijb]

Damn! ruined my day. My screw driver slipped and put a small 1/4" tear in the rubber surround of a new Scan Speak 18W-8545-00 driver. The driver is going into an 18 liter vented cabinet. I've gone through the archives and read the repair posts, but hoping for comments from experienced folks on the best repair, or if I should just go with a new replacement.

So far, the repair considerations are:
1. Use a rubber cement on the underside.
2. Use silicone sealant on the underside.
3. Use a bicycle tire repair kit on the underside.

My concern with glue type repairs is that a mid-woofer works on air pressure, a weak spot in the rubber may affect performance.

4. Have the rubber surround professionally replaced.
5. Buy a new driver.

Thanks in advance!

[colonelkernel8]

I am no expert, but I would imagine that whichever solution will provide the lightest, most flexible mend would be ideal.

[poynton]

Glue with Latex gloves ?????



Andy

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by slhijb

So far, the repair considerations are:
1. Use a rubber cement on the underside.
2. Use silicone sealant on the underside.
3. Use a bicycle tire repair kit on the underside.

4. Have the rubber surround professionally replaced.
5. Buy a new driver.

1. Yes, clean the rubber with alcohol first and use a small bit of tissue to act as a scrim.
2. No, silicone is not known for sticking to rubber or neoprene.
3. No, too much added mass.
4. Only if you're a quitter.
5. Heavens no unless the repair goes awry.

[slhijb]

Thanks all for the great responses. After searching the web for different ideas, I ended up going to a bike shop to see if there was anything that might do the trick. Agree with Cal's comments that a bike patch kit is too much added mass, but found a product that is paper thin, elastic and made to repair expandable thin rubber tubing. It's called "Flat Boy" #542-3700 and is a bike tire self adhesive tube patch kit. The tear is now completely repaired and invisible. Cut a small piece of patch (to size) and applied it to the bottom of the rubber surround with tweezers. Gently pressed it on with my fingers and presto - repaired.
Photo - the tear is at 6:00. Hope the photo shows up.
This might be of benefit to someone that makes the same mistake I did.