Fix a Broken Microwave Handle?

[AJDZee]

Hey guys,

About a year ago the handle on my microwave broke (the plastic snapped where it connects at the bottom). At the time I opened up the door and realized GE designed it so that it is very difficult to reach the handle's screws (to encourage people to buy a new microwave rather than fix, I'm sure).

So I gave up, and just learned to carefully open the door using the top-half of the handle as not to generate torque on the one remaining connection. No biggie.

However, I'm thinking of selling my place in the next few months and I've been going around and fixing all the little things around here to get this place in great shape. This is one of those little things that's irking me.

Has anyone fixed/replaced a microwave handle before? I would hate to buy a whole other microwave when my current one is works perfect except for the damn handle!

Online I found a place that would send me a replacement handle for $70!!? Stupid.

It's probably more cost effective to just buy a new one, but I hate buying new things when there is an alternative.

The model I have is GE Spacemaker XL1400

Any anecdotes or suggestions are welcome, thanks!

[Daley]

Depending on the type of plastic, the break location, and how steady your hands are, you might be able to use epoxy or modeling glue to put it back together... but it's a one way fix. You screw up, you're replacing more than just the handle.

That said, try and hunt down a broken "for parts" Spacemaker XL1400 with a good handle/door and cannibalize your parts.

[cosmie]

Sugru! It's a silicone rubber that's fantastic at fixing stuff. There may be other, more local versions of it, but I'm only familiar with Sugru. Depending on how the break is on your handle, you may be able to use it in such a way as to hide it. It's also slightly more forgiving than epoxy, I believe.

[sleepyguy]

get some high strength epoxy that works well on hard plastics.  It should work fine.

[Greg]

Like I.P. says, model glue might work.  The handle is probably ABS, so model glue for styrene, or solvent-based model glue could work.  You can also use black plumber's cement for ABS. 

For your situation, the trick will be getting the glue/cement/solvent into the joint.  I'd probably mask off the surrounding area with masking tape and also use a drop cloth.  Then apply the cement into the joint, wipe off the excess with a gloved finger, and tape it tight to the door to dry for the better part of the day.

Hope this works.

A better way would be to figure out how to disassemble the door so you can get the handle parts to do the fix on a workbench.

[Russ]

+1 for adhesives. IMO Sugru is alright for making things look good temporarily, but not great for permanent fixes. Looks like the handle doesn't actuate the latch mechanism so it should be easy to stick in place. Find the right stuff for your material, follow the directions so it bonds, and clean up before it sets so it looks nice.

$70 for a handle is ridiculous.

[AJDZee]

Thanks for the responses!

Previously I had ruled out epoxy or any other adhesives because to open this door it takes quite a bit of force to unlatch it (probably why the plastic is broken in the first place) So I didn't think adhesives would cut last more than a few opens/closes.

But I will look into adhesives a bit further, what will be compatible with this plastic and have the strongest hold.
Still not sure it will hold long term and don't want to just patch it up for the next owner to deal with.

Cheers.

[sleepyguy]

You'll be surprised... the joint is usually stronger than the material with modern adhesives.

Thanks for the responses!

Previously I had ruled out epoxy or any other adhesives because to open this door it takes quite a bit of force to unlatch it (probably why the plastic is broken in the first place) So I didn't think adhesives would cut last more than a few opens/closes.

But I will look into adhesives a bit further, what will be compatible with this plastic and have the strongest hold.
Still not sure it will hold long term and don't want to just patch it up for the next owner to deal with.

Cheers.

[GuitarStv]

The epoxy that you can get at the hardware store, where you need to mix two goops together is hella strong once hardened.  I think it would work very well for repairing your handle.

[Hadilly]

What a timely thread!

I think I have the same microwave with the same problem. I glued the handle back on and it is curing now.

[Russ]

What a timely thread!

I think I have the same microwave with the same problem. I glued the handle back on and it is curing now.

Perfect, a test subject! Let us know how it works out ;-)

[AJDZee]

What a timely thread!

I think I have the same microwave with the same problem. I glued the handle back on and it is curing now.

What kind of glue did you use?

Let me know how it holds!

[dragoncar]

Ha!  This happened to me also a few weeks ago.  I've been planning to epoxy it.  Let us know how it goes

[Hadilly]

I taped the handle off and used some E-6000 epoxy. Scraped off some excess while it was still tacky and let it cure overnight. Seems to be solid!

It is a litle tricky to get the glue in, but adding it from the top of the handle worked.

Make sure you seat the handle solidly once the glue is on. I used some tape to secure it and to also remind me not to use it.

Go for it! I'm happy to have it fixed and cheaply too.