Adhesive alternative to staples for 2x2s?

I recently purchased some self adhesive 2x2s and they are significantly more expensive than the standard 2x2s that require staples. My question is, does an archival quality glue or adhesive exist that would work to seal the regular (staple type) non self seal 2x2s that would hold well and not harm the coin with vapors or acid? I want to avoid using staples and save money by not paying high prices for self seal 2x2s with the adhesive put on at the factory. Crazy question, but it seems like there should be a way to do it.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

How 'bout a good old fashioned glue stick? The ones that the wife uses for crafting read "acid free" on the label...possibility?

 

1st a question , don't these types of 2X2s already come with an adhesive .
rzage

 

If they are self-adhesive, why do you need more glue?

Unless you mean a glue for the less expensive non-adhesive types.
I personally don't go that way, thus I have never looked into it.
I'm satisfied with stapling them, just making sure I crimp the staple flat.
And I know there is at least one brand of stapler that is self-crimping.

 

Adhesive for NON-self stick 2x2s

I guess I wasn't clear, I am talking about using the regular staple type 2x2s and having an adhesive or glue that would be archival INSTEAD of staples, that I could apply myself and save the money on the factory self seal type.

 

Good suggestion, but will it hold the larger coins and work on sealing the mylar together with out coming apart in the years to come? I will experiment with some modern coins to see how it holds up.

 

Just tried the glue stick and I will see how it holds up.

 

Hello,
I use a regular stapler and a pair of needle nose pliers to flatten the staples and they do a great job. ( Yes you have to be careful removing them)

 

Excellent point.
The dollar-sized 2x2's don't have much room around the sides.
Several choices:

1. VERY strong adhesive (I've never had a bad experience with sticky 2x2's, but I've never been thrilled with the idea. And now you're talking finding/using your own glue.)

2. 2.5x2.5's (do they make that size; I know there are flips that size. But then storage becomes a problem. Are there 2.5x2.5's boxes?)

3. Go with staples. (To my knowledge I've never had a problem.)

4. Go with non-PVC flips.

 

Glue stick failed miserably, the problem is it won't adhere to the Mylar. Back to the drawing board. BTW, please, no flame intended to anyone, but I know that 2x2s can be stapled and crimped, so telling me it is an option is irrelevant to the discussion and not the question I am posing in this thread, rather I am looking for a safe, archival quality adhesive that will hold as well or better than staples on regular 2x2s. I already know you can pay a lot more for those that come with the adhesive, which is also not relevant to the discussion and something I am trying to avoid buying for the benefit.

 

Question/statement 1: Using a regular 2x2 with an archival adhesive is the point of the original excercise. I know you can buy them with adhesive and so far they work, but they are too expensive. I am looking for an alternative to achieve the same result.

Question 2: Yes, but they are hard to find.

Q3: The whole idea is to try to avoid using staples and getting a more air tight long term seal that staples can not provide.

Q4: Flips are probably one of the least protective options and let the coins slide around. Not an option I've wanted to consider.

 

This is exactly the process I am trying to avoid and I have known about this for over 30 years. Staples do not make a very tight seal especially with larger coins in 2x2s, hence my question about adhesives that can be applied to regular 2x2s and saving money over those that come with adhesive.:headbang:

 

what about something like this?

http://www.kersh.com/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=83

or this:

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3268&PRODID=prd3326

 

Drusus:

Those ancient coin adhesives look too thick and would not make a complete seal on the 2x2. The other glue pen is for paper and as we know the inside of a 2x2 is laminated with Mylar, so I think it would come apart even if it did seal temporarily like the glue stick I tried. Thanks for the suggestions and part of this process is thinking through and identifying possibilities as you did. Some of this is elimination to narrow down the choices as well. I appreciate the effort and input.

 

adhesive...........................

........why not just go to air-tites? it sounds like you are concerned about the adhesive and
other risks of contamination. just a thought.

 

Rubber cement would do the trick, although I'm not entire sure about gases and the like.

You put a thin layer of rubber cement on either side of the flip and let it dry so it can be easily handled, but once you bring both sides together, you are not getting them apart.

 

Way too many volatiles in rubber cement, even after going through the "drying" process.
Whether they are harmful or not, I don't know.
But I know they're there.

 

That is what I was thinking since it will gass off for a few years and might cause copper or silver coins to react. I am hoping there is an archival, acid free non toxic paste or glue out there that I might use. The quest continues.............

 

What about the good Elmers glue , they give it too preschoolers so it must be realatively safe . Also Intercept Shield products are the best , their 2X2s are great .
rzage

 

Elmer's GLue is not acid free, will not form a strong bond on the mylar and will attract moisture. I am also aware of the even more expensive Intercept Shield 2x2 plastic holders and they too are not relevant to the thread's question. :headbang: