Metal glue for powerful bonds
Metals can be joined together in many ways - including adhesive. But you’ll need to use a metal glue that’ll hold up in practice. Read our short guide to get the know-how on the best glues for metal.
Why do you need a special glue for metal?
Most household materials like wood, cardboard, and paper are easily glued together because they’re porous, allowing the glue to soak into the material and bond. Metals generally have a harder, denser surface and are less porous, so many adhesives won’t hold up well and the result will be a fragile, brittle bond that fails. That’s why it’s important to use an adhesive that is proven to work well as a metal glue.
Overview of the types of metal adhesive
So, what is the best glue for metal? Three types of adhesives have been proven to work well as metal glues: epoxy adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, and super glue for metal.
Most epoxies come as a two-part system. The components are mixed just before use. These high-performance adhesives are used in many industries because they form super strong bonds to many materials that are normally hard to stick to, such as stone, concrete, and metal.
As a metal adhesive, epoxy can create a very durable bond and some formulas stay slightly flexible in order to stand up to shock or vibration. Another advantage of many epoxies is their ability to fill large gaps without cracking or shrinking. This makes it perfect for applications like anchoring metal railings or bolts into concrete.
Another common metal glue is polyurethane. This type of adhesive is great for outdoor use because it’s water resistant and can withstand UV light exposure. Polyurethane glue for metal will bond more effectively to most metals than ordinary construction adhesives and holds firm across a wide range of temperatures. This type of metal glue is often used for metal roofs and siding.
Finally, super glue for metal works amazingly well in many situations. Because it bonds to almost anything, super glue can be used to install or repair parts or ornaments to automobiles, appliances, small engines, and the like.
For best results, clean up any spills or runs before the metal adhesive dries. A rag moistened with mineral spirits or acetone should do the job.
Best glue for metal: A few choices
If you need to bond metal to concrete, ceramic, wood, or glass, Loctite Epoxy Metal/Concrete is your best choice. It dispenses from a dual syringe for easy mixing and forms a rigid, high-strength bond in 5 to 12 minutes. It won’t shrink and is water and solvent resistant, so it’s perfect for filling gaps and bonding metal to concrete. It won’t conduct electricity, either, so it can be used to seal around electrical components.
Bonding two metal objects? Loctite Epoxy Weld Bonding Compound is a great choice. This two-part epoxy excels at bonding metal to metal as a convenient alternative to welding. Use it to repair machinery, appliances, pipes, auto components, etc. It can be drilled and machined once it’s cured and can stand up to high temperatures.
Does super glue work on metal? Absolutely! For smaller repairs, it’s hard to beat Loctite Super Glue Universal. Fast drying and super strong, this versatile adhesive bonds to metal, porcelain, leather, wood, plastic, and paper. It is shock and temperature resistant and is ideal for non-porous surfaces.