West Systems Mixing Stick

Getting epoxy to cure properly depends on thorough mixing, and the tool in your hand matters more than most people expect. West System mixing sticks are built around the needs of two-part epoxy work. They come from the company whose resin and hardener formulations helped launch the modern marine epoxy industry.

The West System 804 Reusable Mixing Stick

The flagship product in this category is the 804 Reusable Mixing Stick. It is a rigid plastic stirrer measuring about 3/4 inch wide by 5-1/2 inches long. Each stick is designed for more than stirring: West System describes it as a practical tool for mixing, application, filleting and cleanup.

The two ends are shaped for different jobs:

• Squared, beveled end: reaches into the corners of a mixing pot so unmixed resin or hardener does not hide along the walls. It also works well for blending in fillers and for scraping up excess epoxy.
• Rounded end: shapes 3/8-inch radius fillets, which is useful for strong, smooth joints in boat building, wood repair and general bonding projects.

Reusable by Design

Epoxy does not stick well to the plastic these sticks are made from. Once the epoxy cures, it pops off easily, and the stick can go back into service. That makes it a sensible alternative to disposable wooden stirrers, which can absorb resin, shed splinters and add waste on long projects. West System also offers wooden stirrers (the 804B) for users who prefer a disposable option.

Why the Brand Matters in This Category

West System epoxy was created in 1969 by the Gougeon Brothers in Bay City, Michigan. The brothers were sailors and builders who developed their formulations with the help of chemists in Dow's epoxy lab. Because the same company designs both the epoxy and the accessories, the 804 sticks are made to work with West System resin, hardener and filler systems. They also suit other two-part epoxies, adhesives and fillers.

When shopping for mixing sticks, consider the following:

• Pack size: the 804 is commonly offered in 8-pack and 60-pack quantities, depending on how often you mix.
• Dual-purpose shape: a stick with a filleting end and a corner-reaching end reduces the number of tools on the bench.
• Material: a rigid, non-stick plastic stays stiff in thickened mixtures and cleans up after curing.

Explore More

To see the full range of epoxies, fillers and accessories from this manufacturer, visit the West System brand page. If you want to compare stirrers and mixing tools from other manufacturers, browse the complete Mixing Stick category.