TM 5-1940-321-13&P
F-5. UNGLUING FABRIC. The practice of ungluing is used to separate the bond between glued fabrics
or to remove molded items such as D-ring pads from the fabric buoyancy tube.
a. To unglue a bond between items, apply heat until the glued bond softens and pieces can
be peeled apart. A hot air heat gun (see appendix F) is used to heat the glue bong. After preparation,
items that have been properly unglued and not damaged can be reglued.
b. Incorrect ungluing will damage the fabric. The practice of ungluing requires patience and
the correct application of heat. If too much heat is applied, the fabric will burn; and if too little heat is
applied, the fabric coating will separate from the cloth (exposing the threads) rather than separating at the
glue bond. When ungluing, begin at an edge where the fabric can be lifted to begin peeling.
c. Use the heat gun on one section at a time. Begin by heating and then peeling only a small
area of a few square inches until you become familiar with the technique. Direct the heat gun on this area
to heat the glue bond as shown in figure F-13.
Figure F-13. Using a Heat Gun to Soften the Glue Bond during Ungluing.
d. Avoid application of excessive heat. The heat must be applied for a period of time before
the glue bond separates without damaging the fabric. The heat gun may be brought closer to the work if it
is kept moving to avoid hot spots which will burn the fabric. Popping sounds or smoke indicate too much
heat is being applied. The heat takes time to move through the layer of fabric to soften the glue bond.
e. After applications of heat, begin to lift the edge of the glued fabric. The lifting can be started
by using the boning knife to lift the edge or corner of the heated fabric. After the edge has been lifted,
continue to apply heat.
f. Use pliers to grip the fabric and continue to slowly peel away one piece of fabric from the
other. Use a peeling action rather than trying to slide one piece of fabric directly off the other. The glue
bond is much stronger in shear (sliding force) than in a peeling direction.
F-18
