Epoxy putty can be used instead of welding to fix metal goods or, in general, any other materials.
J-B Weld has two good options: TankWeld and SteelStik (also known as tank weld and steel stick). These two are hand-mixable putty, ensuring proper gap filling, sealing, and substantial repairs.
Let’s conduct a detailed comparison to learn more about both.
Read More: J-B TankWeld vs. QuikSteel
Article Highlights
- TankWeld is hand-kneadable and claims to have no welding needed.
- SteelStik is a water-resistant epoxy putty that can be used for household and automotive repairs.
- Both are NSF-certified and safe for contact with potable water.
- TankWeld and SteelStik are both DIY-friendly and provide quality and superior performance.
JB Weld Tank Weld vs. SteelStik
J-B Weld TankWeld and SteelStik are two amazing products. TankWeld is a hand-mixable, steel-reinforced, non-rusting epoxy putty that can repair anything made of metal.
J-B Weld SteelStik is a reinforced epoxy putty with a non-rusting formula that quickly repairs. Both are NSF-certified and safe for contact with potable water.
To know more, check the detailed comparison below.
Tensile Strength
When it’s about to know which epoxy putty holds stronger on the surface, you need to know about tensile strength.
TankWeld has a tensile strength of 4000 PSI, and SteelStik has the same tensile strength of 4000 PSI.
So, they both produce the same strength to the surface.
Compatible Materials
TankWeld can be used on anything made of metal. Also, it’s suitable for automotive, fiberglass, iron, copper, brass, stainless steel, bronze, and aluminum.
SteelStik is made of suitable materials, including fiberglass, ceramic, brick, concrete, metal, brass, copper, bronze, aluminum, and more.
It is primarily made of metals but can be used on certain plastics. It can also be used underwater or in wet conditions.
So, it shows that SteelStik is compatible with more materials than TankWeld.
Using Method
The primary method for both TankWeld and SteelStik is to cut the putty, knead, and apply.
After mixing a certain amount of TankWeld putty, apply it to the areas needing repair. It forms an industrial-strength polymer compound to provide a strong bonding.
SteelStik is also the same kind of putty epoxy. You mix the parts, and they form a polymer compound that can be used on several materials and molded into shapes to repair the components.
Setting And Curing Time
The setting time of J-B Weld TankWeld is only 5 minutes, and the cure time is 1 hour. After properly cured, it can be drilled, tapped, ground, machined, painted, and filed.
SteelStik has a set time of 3-5 minutes and takes an hour to cure. It can also be drilled, filed, tapped, machined, ground, and painted.
Color
Once cured, both the TankWeld and SteelStik turn dark gray. Thus, both epoxies look the same.
Temperature
The TankWeld can withstand 350°F (177°C) and intermittent temperatures of 450°F (232°C).
On the other hand, the SteelStik can withstand 350°F (177°C) and intermittent temperatures of 450°F (232°C).
Resistance
When talking about resistance, the J-B Weld TankWeld has chemical resistance against ethanol, petroleum, hydraulic fluid, and many other harsh chemicals once cured.
SteelStik is chemically resistant to hydraulic fluid, petroleum, and water.
Applications
J-B TankWeld is good for several applications, such as gas tanks, radiators, water tanks, lawn and garden equipment, metal radiators, fuel tanks, metal fuel or chemical tanks, fixing stripped threads, metal housing, and more. It basically works with all kinds of metal.
On the other hand, the SteelStik putty epoxy can work on exhaust systems, plumbing, stripped threads, rust damage, automotive & machine parts, fuel tanks, filling gaps & holes, sealing, and also be used for reconstructing forming & household repairs.
Editor’s Note
Lastly, the TankWeld and SteelStik are high-quality products for DIY projects and quick repairs.
J-B Weld provides superior performance, a stronger bond, and better quality. Although both have many similar features, their application purposes are different.
TankWeld claims to repair anything made of metal, while SteelStik can do automotive, plumbing, and household repairs. It’s more versatile, in my opinion.