The Best Metal-to-Wood Glue Overall Best Glue for Metal to Wood: LOCTITE Ultra Gel Control Super Glue. ... Premium Option for Gluing Metal to Wood: GORILLA Two-Part Epoxy Syringe. ... Best Affordable Pick for Gluing Metal to Wood: J-B WELD KwikWeld Steel-Reinforced Epoxy. ... Preparation. ... Application. ... How Do I Remove Excess Glue? More items... •
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As a DIY-er, crafter, or professional carpenter, there will eventually come a time when you will need to use glue to stick metal and wood together. You want to select the appropriate adhesive for metal to wood, as not all glues available will provide a permanent bond when it comes to gluing the likes of metal to wood. There is an assortment of glues out there and, with this article, we aim to assist you in being able to select the correct glue for metal to wood.
Gluing Metal to Wood
While it is possible to glue wood and metal together, it can be quite tricky to do. The problem lies in that the two surfaces are different in density and porosity, resulting in the wood being able to expand and contract a lot more than the metal. As a result, achieving a secure bond is hard.
Attempting to glue anything to metal can be difficult, so it is important that you select the right adhesive to be able to glue metal and wood correctly. When selecting your glue, you will need to consult the label and manufacturer’s instructions in detail. It might seem hard to create a bond between metal and wood, but if you use the right glue, you will be able to create a strong bond that lasts. When selecting an adhesive, you will need to take the following aspects into consideration:
Water-resistance
Flexibility
Temperature
Tensile strength
The Best Metal-to-Wood Glue
As we know, there are a lot of glue products out there, and selecting the correct one for your task at hand can seem overwhelming. We want to assist you in selecting the best option for gluing metal to wood and provide you with the positives and negatives of each recommended product, as well as how to apply them.
Overall Best Glue for Metal to Wood: LOCTITE Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
Loctite has been producing adhesives and sealants for over 50 years. They have a dedicated research team and consistently ensure high levels of innovation and quality. They have earned themselves a reputation for manufacturing products with trusted performance and proven results.
This particular super glue is perfect for repairing any items around your home or office that may be broken, and is great for use for several crafting projects. It has been formulated to be rubber-toughened and will set immediately. The product can resist conditions such as impact, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and shock. As a glue, it is also resistant to the majority of chemicals, moisture, and temperatures that are lower than zero, which makes it perfect for use outside where it will be exposed to extreme weather conditions.
LOCTITE Ultra Gel Control Super Glue Instant adhesive resists impact, vibration, and temperature extremes
Comes in a patented, side-squeeze design for maximum control
Rubber-toughened glue dries clear and sets without clamping View on Amazon
This super glue can be used on several materials including rubber, plastic, ceramics, leather, paper, wood, and of course, metal. It only takes a minute to set, which allows you sufficient time to ensure that your parts are aligned before it completely dries.
When it has set completely, you will have a long-lasting, flexible, and durable bond with a very high tensile strength.
You will not have to clamp the pieces before setting and the glue will dry clear. The glue will not run or drip, either, thanks to its gel formulation, which makes it perfect for use on vertical surfaces, porous surfaces, as well as acting as a filler for small gaps.
You will receive this glue in a side-squeeze container, which offers you extreme control, allowing for pinpointed accuracy and air-tight storage. You can grip the container comfortably and then dispense the perfect amount of adhesive without making a mess. It also comes with a screw-on cap that is self-piercing, which ensures that the nozzle will not become clogged up and that the adhesive will remain fresh.
PROS Very flexible when cured
Can be used on most materials
Resistant to impact, shock, temperature, and moisture
You will not have to clamp the items
Application is simple
Tensile strength is high
Can be applied to vertical surfaces CONS Consistency is quite thick, so can be hard to spread
Premium Option for Gluing Metal to Wood: GORILLA Two-Part Epoxy Syringe
In terms of a reactive adhesive epoxy adhesive, this product by Gorilla is thought to be the strongest. This product is made up of two parts that you will be required to combine before applying the glue. The epoxy comes in a syringe that has two separate barrels, one holding the hardener and the other the resin. This ensures that the two substances are kept separate and will not begin to harden until they are combined. The syringe is simple to use and, once you have combined the two parts and the epoxy has hardened, you will have a strong bond that is highly durable.
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GORILLA Two-Part Epoxy Syringe Strong, permanent, fast, and gap-filling; great for multiple surfaces
For tough repairs needing a durable bond and solvent resistance
Dries clear and sets within 6 minutes, allowing for repositioning View on Amazon
This epoxy can be used for household and automotive repairs and is resistant to solvents and water once it has hardened. The epoxy dries completely within just six minutes, which means you have plenty of time to position your pieces correctly. Once dried, it can withstand hot or cold weather conditions.
The formulation of the two-part epoxy offers a very strong bond when used with many different materials such as aluminum, wood, ceramics, steel, plastics, glass, and tiles, and when dried, the substance has a clear finish.
This product is very popular and is thought to be the best option when you are looking to attach metal to wood. If you have permanent and fast gap fillings that need to be addressed, this epoxy is excellent and is versatile for application on several surfaces. When applying it, you ideally want to be working in temperatures between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 37.8 degrees Celsius), it is ideal for use outdoors but can also be used inside.
PROS Can be used on different types of materials
Sets within just 6 minutes
Dries to a hard, clear finish
Ideal for use both inside and outside
Can withstand a particular level of moisture
Solvent- and water-resistant CONS Only works properly on particular metals, being steel and aluminum
Best Affordable Pick for Gluing Metal to Wood: J-B WELD KwikWeld Steel-Reinforced Epoxy
This epoxy glue has a formulation of reinforced steel, which provides a very high bonding strength of 3127 psi. This heat-resistant epoxy sets quickly and can withstand temperatures of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148,9 degrees Celsius). You can use this epoxy for both small and large projects, and it is considered as one of the world’s strongest bonds and is renowned for its high-performance capabilities and overall quality.
J-B WELD KwikWeld Quick-Setting Steel-Reinforced Epoxy Provides strong, lasting repairs to multiple surfaces
Steel-reinforced with a tensile strength of 3127 psi
Waterproof and resistant to heat, petroleum, chemicals, and acid View on Amazon
Like any epoxy, the hardener and resin need to be combined. This you will have to do by hand at a ratio of 1:1, which unfortunately can be quite messy. The adhesive dries extremely quickly and takes only six minutes to set, and will have completely cured in only six hours. When dried, it is dark grey.
You can use the product for many items including marine surfaces, repairing automotive, outdoor equipment, household items, toys, crafts, plumbing and so much more.
This product provides a permanent bond to a variety of materials including PVC, ceramics, plastic, tiles, wood, fiberglass, concrete, and metal. When the adhesive has set completely, you can shape it, sand it, tap it, and drill it. The product is resistant to petroleum, various chemicals, and acid, and is also waterproof.
PROS Sets very quickly
Can withstand very high temperatures
After curing, you can work on it and mold it
Tensile strength is extremely high
Works well on the majority of materials CONS You have to mix it by hand which can result in a mess
Instructions on How to Attach Metal to Wood with Glue
We will assist you in how to attach your metal to the wood. Before you can begin applying the glue, you need to ensure that the product you have selected can bond metal to wood. To double-check, consult the product’s label and study it in detail, keeping in mind that not all adhesives can bond metal to wood. All the above-mentioned products can be used to bond metal to wood, ceramics, plastics, as well as an assortment of other materials.
Preparation
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Workspace: You will need to ensure that your workspace is clean and dry, and that you have assembled all the equipment you will require so that it is nearby and within reach.
You will need to ensure that your workspace is clean and dry, and that you have assembled all the equipment you will require so that it is nearby and within reach. Wood: The wood’s surface needs to be cleaned of all oil, paint, dust, or grease, and it needs to be completely dry. The areas you plan on applying the glue should be taped off.
The wood’s surface needs to be cleaned of all oil, paint, dust, or grease, and it needs to be completely dry. The areas you plan on applying the glue should be taped off. Metal: Likewise, the metal’s surface also needs to be clean of all rust, dust, paint, or oil. Next, using 120-grit sandpaper, sand the metal surface to roughen it up slightly. This will ensure that the epoxy grabs onto the surface accordingly.
Application
Depending on whether you are using epoxy glue or superglue, the application process will differ slightly. We have provided a guide for either type of product’s application.
Superglue
Gently squeeze the sides of the glue container.
To just one of the surfaces, apply a small portion of the adhesive.
Join the wood and metal and grip them together for roughly one minute.
Allow roughly five minutes for the newly glued surfaces to stand. This will ensure that you have created a secure bond.
Epoxy Glue
Using a ratio of 1:1, combine the hardener and resin onto a dry, disposable, clean container or surface.
Within five minutes, apply the adhesive to the surface.
Join the wood and metal and, if necessary, clamp the items together.
It will dry in 30 minutes and will take a day to cure completely.
It is possible to bond metal to wood as long as you are using the correct product. It is also imperative that all surfaces are completely clean and dry before any form of adhesives are applied so as to ensure a strong and successful bond. Through using the correct product, as recommended in this article, you can add a whole new element to your crafting, as you will be able to successfully join wooden and metal surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Remove Excess Glue?
You can use acetone to remove any residue, but ensure that you do so before the adhesive goes hard and cures. If the adhesive has already cured, the only way to get it off is by cutting it away or sanding or scraping it off.
Will Ordinary Wood Glue Work in Gluing Wood to Metal?
We do not recommend this, as ordinary wood glue has not been formulated for this purpose and has been designed to specifically work on porous materials. As metal is not porous, the bond will not be effective.
An epoxy adhesive does not conduct electricity when it hardens.
How Does One Bond Metal to Wood?
You need to start by ensuring that both surfaces are completely clean and dry. Following the instructions of the product, apply the adhesive and allow the glue to completely set. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can You Use Superglue to Bond Metal to Wood?
The superglue will dry quickly, so you will need to work fast. Superglue can be used to fix an assortment of items as it is a bonding agent.
Does Superglue Work on All Materials?
No, superglue does not work on foam, polypropylene, polyethylene, or plastic, as the glue will dissolve the material due to the chemicals in it.
What Is the Best Glue for Metal to Wood?
Most DIY-ers and craft enthusiasts say superglue is the best option for these sorts of jobs. When you are dealing with larger jobs or working on a professional level, then epoxy is preferred as it offers a bond that can be worked on once it has been set.
Why Won’t My Superglue Bond?
If your surfaces are not completely dry and clean, we suggest using a little acetone to remove any paint, dirt, or oil. Certain woods contain tannic acids that stop the curing process, so it is important to remove any oily substances from the wood using some activator.
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Photo: Mark Plötz
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