How to Repair a Nalgene Canteen

Nalgene canteens are colorful waterproof jugs for carrying water or other beverages while performing outdoor activities, such as camping, backpacking and running. With extended use, your canteen may develop a crack causing water to leak.

Things You'll Need

  • Nalgene canteen
  • Soldering iron
  • Piece of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic slightly bigger than the crack
  • Utility knife
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find the leak in your bottle by filling it half-full with water, covering the lid tightly and submerging the canteen in a separate bucket filled with water. When you place the leaking bottle under the water, bubbles will start to form at the point of the leak.

    • 2

      Heat up the soldering iron for five minutes.

    • 3

      Use the soldering iron to cut a groove two-thirds of the way down the center of the crack through the outside of the canteen. While the area is still very hot, melt a piece of ABS plastic into the groove so that the crack becomes sealed and plastic spills above the edges of the groove.

    • 4

      Allow the canteen to cool to room temperature.

    • 5

      Use sandpaper to remove any excess plastic that has dripped down the sides. This also will make the surface smooth for handling.

    • 6

      Test the bottle for leaks by filling it completely, drying the outside, then shaking it vigorously while watching for drips.

    • 7

      Repeat the repair process until all leaks are stopped.