Super glue is one of the most convenient supplies to repair wooden furniture and other house fixtures. While its thick viscosity can make the strongest bond, there are products you can’t rely on in terms of strength and stability that can cause the disintegration of your project.
So, our professional handymen have rounded up the best super glues they’ve used for years on various projects!
Reviews of the Top Super Glues
1. Gorilla Super Glue Gel
The Gorilla Super Glue Gel is a cyanoacrylate adhesive that includes rubber particles improving its boost impact resistance. It comes in a gel formula formulated with high viscosity.
You can use Gorilla glue on any material at different orientations, even on vertical surfaces and ceiling applications.
This super glue gel is also efficient if you’re planning to bond metal and plastic materials within your house. Though Gorilla glue does not provide a waterproof coating, the bond is stable and strong enough to stick to your working materials for a long period.
What We Like
- Versatile formula and can be used with different surfaces
- Short drying time
- Airtight cap prevents leaks
- Creates flexible bond
What We Don't Like
- It is not waterproof
- Cannot be used on cotton or yarn
2. The Original Super Glue
The Original Super Glue creates secure bonds compatible with aluminum, plastic, leather, rubber, ceramics, and metal surfaces. It’s efficient for quick fixes that require generous amounts of a bonding agent and even for intensive tasks.
Besides, it dries for approximately 10 to 30 seconds after application, which is suitable for urgent jobs. This super glue packaging comes with a pen applicator and an anti-clog cap that prevents drips at the spout. It bonds materials for a long time compared to other glues.
Also, its versatility in application makes it the strongest super glue that we highly recommend in any household and workshop.
What We Like
- Come with a precision applicator
- Quick drying time
- Easy on the budget
- With anti-leak cap
What We Don't Like
- Need steady hands to control flow
- May need more depending on the project
3. Loctite Super Glue (Professional)
The Loctite Professional Super Glue is formulated to have nanoparticles that allow effective bonding properties. It is best for bonding materials, particularly metals. The resulting formula also increases resistance to water, chemicals, and impact.
Loctite super glue gel takes approximately a minute for the materials to bond and takes approximately 24 hours for it to cure fully, so it’s not for urgent tasks. But once it has completely dried up, it is strong and is nearly invisible, which you can sand and paint.
Additionally, this bonding agent is affordable, making the Loctite super glue gel the best budget option. But does Loctite work on wood best? Find out next!
What We Like
- Water and shock resistant
- Can be painted on
- Near invisible once dried
- Afffordable compared to other brands
What We Don't Like
- Longer curing time
- Not for most plastics
4. Krazy Glue Home & Office Brush-On Glue
The Krazy Home and Office Brush-On Glue allows a fast and strong bond. It is best for bonding wood and other materials such as vinyl, plastic, metal, and ceramic. The bottle is easy to control and provides superior coverage and stronghold.
Its packaging comes with an airtight cap which keeps the Krazy glue fresh, and the bottle design prevents the thicker glues and bristles from sticking together. However, it can be difficult to open.
But we like how the Krazy glue sets at approximately 30 seconds. At times, however, it produces instant adhesive between the materials, which is suitable for time-bounded tasks.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use brush applicator
- Effective super glue for plastic
What We Don't Like
- Instantly dries out
- Can be difficult to open
5. Aleene's Original Super Fabric Adhesive
The Aleene’s Original Super Fabric Adhesive is the best super glue for fabric. You can also use it on embellishments like buttons, lace, or sequins. It forms solid bonds among denim, linen, elastic, and other types of fabric/cloth.
It is the super glue of choice among costume designers or anyone fond of customizing clothing. Once cured, it is machine-washable that can tolerate laundry detergent, so items won’t fall apart.
Besides, this super glue dries quickly and is transparent. It does not leave any traces or marks on the material, so you can ensure a clean final output.
What We Like
- Transparent when dry
- Sets quickly
- Does not turn yellow over time
- Machine-washable
What We Don't Like
- Tube has the tendency to be messy
- Reduced performance on hard surfaces
6. Loctite Glass Glue
The Loctite Glass Glue is the best superglue for different glass repairs, formulated for different types, including clear, tinted, colored, and stained glass.
But make sure to clean the glass surfaces before applying this super glue to get a stronger bond. You can also use this superglue on other materials such as wood, metal, and polyethylene plastic.
However, although it works on any material, it has reduced bonds on porous surfaces. If you’ll use it on wood, clean the surface first before the application. Once it settles, Loctite glass glue ensures strong and stable bonds.
What We Like
- Comes with a pen tip applicator
- Water resistant
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be used in bonding glass
What We Don't Like
- Is not effective on porous surfaces
- Not food safe
7. DAP Weldwood Original
The DAP Weldwood Original is considered a contact cement adhesive [1]. It makes an instant bond, thus, eliminating the need for fasteners and clamps. The clear gel is water and heat-resistant and ideal for home and furniture repairs.
It is a multipurpose neoprene rubber adhesive resulting in a strong bond on different non-porous surfaces. DAP Weldwood can be applied on fabrics, leather, plastics, and laminated materials and surfaces.
If you’re working on metal, polyethylene plastics, and glass, DAP Weldwood will take some time to fully bond these materials. Still, once the materials absorb the adhesive, it creates a stronger bond.
What We Like
- Come with an applicator brush
- Water resistant
- Heat resistant
- Does not leave any color traces
What We Don't Like
- Reduced bonds on metal
- Drying time can be quicker
8. Loctite Ultra Gel Control
The Loctite Ultra Gel Control is an affordable super glue that offers strength and versatility. The gel formula is rubberized and lasts a long time. Its shock and impact resistance ensures protection from daily wear and tear.
This super glue gel is highly versatile and compatible with fabric, ceramic, wood, and metal. Furthermore, it has packaging that comes with a nozzle for easy application, suitable for DIYers and beginner handymen.
This may not be the best glue on this list, but given its decent bonding performance, it’s also worth considering.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Strength and versatility
- Shock resistant
- Easy application
What We Don't Like
- Cures completely within 24 hours.
- Not for extensive bonding requirements
Super Glue Buyer’s Guide
Viscosity/Consistency
The gel form allows ease of application and control compared to thicker liquid glues. However, glues in liquid form make a stronger adhesion.
If you need to fix small cracks or fill gaps, then a thin layer of super glue in a gel form is enough, but if you need to work on bigger and rougher materials, a liquid form is ideal.
Cyanoacrylate glue may come in a low-viscosity liquid form or a thin super glue gel form.
Applicator/Nozzle
Make sure to buy a gel super glue with a resealable and clog-resistant nozzle applicator. The non-clogging applicator is advantageous when you can maximize its use.
Amount and Color
Check the project to determine how much glue you need and purchase enough for the project. Also, pay attention to the super glue’s color if that matches the material you will work on.
Bond Strength and Time
Check the super glue’s bond strength and the time it takes to dry. Different grades and types of superglues have different strengths and drying times.
Formula and Strengthening Ingredients
Check the manufacturer’s guide about the formula and strengthening ingredients. This can help you decide whether it is compatible with your material.
Drying Time
Examine the drying time as indicated on the super glue. Different superglues have different drying times.
Resistance to Moisture and Weather
Consider a super glue that is moisture and weather-resistant, especially if you intend to use it on kitchenware and outdoor surfaces. There are super glues that are not waterproof, with a required temperature ranging from 45-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use
Check and ensure that the superglue you purchase will serve its purpose. Ensure it is compatible with the material you use for the best results.
Additional Features
Lastly, check the additional features of the super glue you will purchase. Some of these features include water-, weather-, and temperature resistance. But be aware that some super glues are not formulated for extreme temperatures.
Benefits of Using Super Glue
There are many benefits that the best super glues have to offer. Here are some of the few:
Cost-Effectiveness
Super glues are very economical; most are budget-friendly yet provide the ideal result.
User-friendly
Super glues are user-friendly and do not require any mixing. It is straightforward and can easily be applied on surfaces that need bonding.
Strength
Super glues provide high-strength bonds compared to regular glues.
Versatility
Super glue is quite versatile and has a diverse range of material compatibility. It can bond to certain materials unless explicitly mentioned not to.
Quick Bonding
Super glues are distinguished to be quick bonding. It takes approximately a few seconds completely to bind these materials. But sometimes, up to 24-hour waiting time is needed for better results.
Disadvantages of Using Super Glue
There are also some disadvantages when using super glues, including bonding to the skin, poor temperature resistance, and joint brittleness.
Super Glue Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips when applying super glue on various surfaces:
Wear Protection
Make sure to conduct a surface preparation before the glue application. If you are working with a smooth surface, it is ideal to roughen it a bit by sanding it. This will increase the surface area for the adhesive to work on.
Wear Protection
It is best to wear protection such as gloves when working with super glues. Once it comes in contact with the skin, superglue can be difficult to remove. We suggest putting on a pair of gloves before proceeding with your project.
Mask Off Unaffected Areas
If you are dealing with a complicated project, it will be easier to mask surfaces using duct tape before glue application to prevent mistakes. It is also advised to place rags in the surrounding areas in case spills happen.
Apply Generously
When using super glues, make sure to apply generously to ensure a high-strength bond between materials.
Clean it Up
You can proceed to clean up the surfaces to remove the excess glue. You can do this either through mechanical or chemical removal.
Mechanical removal involves scraping using implements, whereas chemical removal involves using solvents.
Store it Properly
Make sure to store the super glue properly to prolong its shelf life. Store the super glue in a cool, dry, and dark place.
How Can You Remove Super Glue?
Super glue bonds to surfaces almost instantly. Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and need to remove the super glue from certain surfaces. So here’s what you can do:
On Wooden or Smooth Hard Surfaces
Wooden surfaces and some smooth surfaces are porous. This surface is tricky since it makes the super glue easy to bond with yet difficult to remove.
You can remove the superglue by adding a small amount of solvent to a cotton ball and continuing to remove it.
On the Skin
Sometimes, the super glue can stick to the skin; thus, make sure to wear gloves. You can apply a super glue remover in the form of acetone or a nail polish remover. In sensitive areas such as lips, you can use butter and vegetable oil.
On Fabrics
Super glue can also accidentally stick onto clothes. It can easily be removed once the glue has hardened. You can scrape the glue off by using a butter knife. You can also use acetone if there is glue debris.
FAQ
Are super glues waterproof?
Super glues are not waterproof if subjected to very high temperatures, and their characteristics may change.
Is super glue the same as CA glue?
Super glue is the same as CA glue. These are different names that refer to the same adhesive, Cyanoacrylate glue.
What is the strongest glue?
One of the strongest glues is heat-cured epoxy resin. Also, among cyanoacrylate adhesives such as superglues, Loctite superglue results in the most durable bonds.
How long does super glue take to dry?
Super glue takes approximately seconds to dry. It is recommended to allow at least 10 minutes to get full strength.
How is super glue stored?
It is best to store the super glue in a cool, dry, and dark place. Proper storage ensures that the adhesive remains in a liquid state and maintains its strong bonding properties, making it ready for use whenever needed.
What's the best brand of super glue?
Gorilla Super Glue Gel is the best among the super glue brands. However, it still depends on the type of surface you will use it on. But, Titebond and Gorilla glue are two popular options among DIYers.
Does it conduct electricity?
Super glue does not conduct electricity. Once it dries up, is it similar to nonconductive plastic.
How strong are super glues?
Super glues create incredibly strong bonds. This is due to the cyanoacrylate super glue properties. Find out more how super glues work on wood next!
Our Top Pick For The Strongest Super Glue: Gorilla Super Glue Gel
The Gorilla Super Glue Gel is the best super glue we’ve tried and tested over the years. It works well on different non-porous and smooth surfaces and materials.
This is an excellent super glue to keep in your workshop or workstation, not just for quick fixes but also for extensive bonding requirements and urgent tasks.
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