Want to know how to glue broken items? Our free article will help you prep the item, choose the best glue, and apply it for a lasting bond.
If you want to learn the finer points of how to glue parts together, make glue repairs, and use glue in a wide variety of applications, this article is for you.
As you may have discovered, there are many types of glue on the market, each having unique qualities, and some are meant for very specific applications.
For instance, some adhesives dry to a rigid bond, while others remain flexible. Some are liquids, while others are more of a gel or even a spray. Some are well suited to filling cracks and gaps, while others would fail at this. The materials that each glue will bond to must also be considered.
So, before you begin using glue for a project or repair, it pays to do a little investigation. Always read the label on the product you are considering. (See the checklist in the section below that explains how to choose the best adhesive.)
Some procedures are virtually standard when using glue, no matter what materials you are bonding together. Here are some general guidelines.
Some adhesives function as both a sealant and an adhesive, and are especially useful for protecting wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Here are some questions you should have the answer to:
Will this type of adhesive bond to the materials I’ll be working with?
Will the item be exposed to weather or dampness? If so, go with an exterior-rated glue.
Will it be a benefit if the glue remains flexible? If you are bonding a rigid material like metal or glass, this would be important because the adhesive must maintain its strength when exposed to shock or vibrations.
Do the objects I’m gluing fit together tightly or will the glue have to span gaps?
Would a liquid glue be the best choice or a gel for vertical or overhead application?
What is the drying time of this adhesive, and can I keep the item immobilized until the glue sets?
If you know the answers to these basic questions, you should be able to choose an appropriate glue.
We’ll list a few favourites to help you along with your glue repairs:
For detailed work and repairs to small items, it’s hard to beat super glue. LePage Super Glue Ultra Gel Control bonds in seconds to virtually anything but remains flexible to resist vibration and temperature extremes.
LePage Stik’N Seal Extreme is perfect for quick repairs both indoors and out. It will bond to almost anything and can be used for sealing and repairing window and door frames, appliances, upholstery, as well as hobby and craft items.
Epoxy is great for its gap-filling properties, and it has a rigid, high-strength bond. LePage Epoxy Speed Set Instant Mix is perfect for repairs requiring this type of adhesive. The self-mixing nozzle mixes the materials as it dispenses for easy and fast setting repairs.