The Best Glue for Metal

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Glue for Metal and hope the blog can help you.

Attempting to glue metal has often been met with mixed results, but modern adhesives can produce very successful bonds with metal and a variety of other materials, too.

Gluing metals can be challenging for a number of reasons. Metals are not porous, so glues can’t penetrate the surface. Metals are usually very smooth, offering little or no grab. Metal objects are often used outdoors, so metal glues have to withstand extremes of heat and cold, water, and perhaps salt or chemicals.

Modern metal adhesives have overcome these challenges, and it’s now possible to join metal to metal, fabric, wood, and glass. However, there is no universal solution for every situation and type of bond, so choosing the right product is dependent on knowing what features are needed from the adhesive. Keep reading to find out how to identify the best glue for metal for a wide variety of scenarios, and check out some of the best options for several typical situations.

1. BEST OVERALL: J-B Weld KwikWeld 10-Ounce Professional Epoxy Glue
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
3. BEST POLYURETHANE: Gorilla Original Glue
4. BEST FOR CONSTRUCTION: Liquid Nails Fuze*It Max All Surface Adhesive
5. BEST FOR AUTOMOTIVE: Eclectic Products Amazing Goop Automotive Adhesive
6. BEST FOR REPAIRS: Quiksteel Reinforced Epoxy Putty for Metal

How We Chose the Best Glue for Metal

I am an engineer by profession so I have considerable experience with metals and a range of adhesives. I’m also a keen DIYer and have used several of these products at home. Added to first-hand knowledge is many hours of research into chemical composition and how that affects the way glues for bonding metal with other materials.

All of our top picks for bonding metal come from widely recognized brands. These are companies with vast experience that have invested heavily in their products. They also have technical know-how to back up their claims. We have also been careful to check prices in order to offer good value for money.

Our Top Picks

Our top picks for best metal gluesinclude a variety of brands across different categories. The following products should make it easier to find the right glue needed for a metal-related project.

Best Overall

J-B Weld KwikWeld 10-Ounce Professional Epoxy Glue

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J-B Weld products are widely recognized as among the best glues for metal-to-metal bonding. Its KwikWeld epoxy glue is also effective at sticking metal to wood, brick, masonry, ceramics, and fiberglass, though an alternative is recommended for glass.

The setting time for this epoxy glue is 6 minutes faster than most epoxies, as is a cure time of 4 to 6 hours. It’s waterproof once fully hardened, and it can be sanded, primed, and painted. Tensile strength is a class-leading 3,127 pounds per square inch (psi), and it can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

As with all epoxies, correct surface preparation is very important for a successful bond. The manufacturer warns that it should be used in a well ventilated area and that eye protection and gloves should be worn.

Product Specs 

• Type: Epoxy
• Setting and curing times: Sets in 6 minutes; cures in 4 to 6 hours
• Color when dry: Dark gray, but can be primed and painted

Pros

• Very high tensile strength; waterproof once fully hardened to a 3,127-psi strength
• Sets onmetal surfaces in 6 minutes, with a 4- to 6-hour cure time
• Good temperature tolerance; can handle temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
• Can bond metal to wood, brick, masonry, ceramics, and fiberglass

Cons

• Unpleasant fumes may be smelled while using or applying; mask may be required
• This product is labeled as a skin irritant; gloves recommended

Get the J-B Weld glue for metal at Amazon, The Home Depot, Grainger, or J-B Weld.

Best Bang for the Buck

Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control

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Loctite is one of the most recognizable brands of cyanoacrylate (superglue). The brand’s Super Glue Ultra Gel is considerably thicker than its liquids, making it easier to apply and therefore less wasteful. As with all cyanoacrylates, metal bonding is very rapid, and finger pressure is all that’s required.

Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel will bond metal to paper, plastic, wood, fabrics, ceramics, and rubber. It retains a small amount of flex, so it is impact and vibration resistant. Loctite says it will withstand temperature extremes, but it doesn’t provide details.

While the patented container does allow for good flow control, it does give the impression there is more glue than is actually the case. It is very important to close the tube immediately after use or it can quickly dry out. One important note: This glue is very difficult to remove once applied.

Product Specs 

• Type: Cyanoacrylate
• Setting and curing times: Sets quickly, though time unspecified by manufacturer; cures in 12 to 24 hours
• Color when dry: Clear

Pros

• This glue sets quickly and takes 12 to 24 hours to fully cure and harden
• Easy to use; dual push applicators and tip opening allow for precise application
• Low cost compared to similar options; suitable for everyday fixes

Cons

• Not for large projects; small quantity cannot fix large cracks or breaks
• Can cause allergic reaction in some users; caution advised while using

Get the Loctite glue for metal at Lowe’sor The Home Depot.

Best Polyurethane

Gorilla Original Glue

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The Gorilla brand has been around since 1994, and its polyurethane glue is a highly versatile product, providing high-strength bonding of metal, wood, most plastics, concrete, masonry, ceramics, stone, glass, and foam. It is particularly good when different materials need to be glued together.

The company states this glue can withstand temperatures between -40 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s 100 percent waterproof and is unaffected by the sun’s harmful UV rays, so it is equally good for use indoors or out.

The foaming action is excellent as a gap filler. However, the expansion can push items apart, so clamping is strongly recommended. On small items this can be tricky, but paper tape or packing tape is usually sufficient.

Product Specs 

• Type: Polyurethane
• Setting and curing times: Setting time unspecified; cures in 24 hours
• Color when dry: Brown, but can be stained or painted

Pros

• Tremendous versatility; can be used on metal, wood, most plastics, concrete, and more
• Completely waterproof after fully cured; suitable for use in kitchens, laundry rooms, or on boats
• Can be used indoors and outdoors; suitable for most applications

Cons

• Slightly fussy preparation; may be difficult for first-time users
• Will harden in bottle if not closed carefully; caution recommended

Get the Gorilla glue for metal at The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or Target (2 ounces).

Best for Construction

Liquid Nails Fuze*It Max All Surface Adhesive

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Liquid Nails Fuze*It Max is an exceptionally versatile adhesive that will glue metal to very nearly anything, including unusual materials like marble, bathroom ceramics, concrete, PVC, and drywall. It can be applied at temperatures between 0 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit and even while it’s raining.

It has a strong grab, so it is worth doing a test assembly—when practical—before application. Mistakes can be difficult to pull apart. Initial setting takes only 10 minutes. Once fully cured, it can withstand temperatures from -40 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The formula has low odor and low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and it has been awarded the independent Greenguard Gold certificate for low emissions.

Product Specs 

• Type: Polyurethane
• Setting and curing times: Sets in 10 minutes; cures in 12 to 24 hours
• Color when dry: Tan, but can be painted

Pros

• Very strong initial grab; takes 10 minutes to fully set
• Can be used in all weather; withstands temperatures of -40 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
• Environmentally friendly formula; contains low odors and VOCs for eco-conscious consumers

Cons

• Relatively slow cure compared to other glues for metal; up to 24 hours to cure
• Not for application on any polyethylene or polypropylene products or surfaces

Get the Liquid Nails glue for metal at The Home Depot or Menards.

Best for Automotive

Eclectic Products Amazing Goop Automotive Adhesive

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Eclectic Products’ Amazing Goop adhesive is aimed at automotive repair and restoration because it provides an excellent bond between metal, vinyl, rubber, plastic, and glass. It remains flexible once cured, so it can be used for things like convertible roof repairs and hoses. It can also insulate electrical wiring and protect battery terminals. It is completely waterproof, unaffected by rain or UV from sunlight, and heat-proof to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is also useful as a glue for general DIY and plumbing use. It will bond ceramics, stone, PVC, brick, and leather. However, it will not work on polyethylene or polypropylene, and it actually melts Styrofoam.

It does produce an unpleasant vapor, which can irritate eyes and respiratory systems. It is also flammable, so it should never be used near a naked flame.

Product Specs 

• Type: Silicon copolymer (similar to polyurethane)
• Setting and curing times: Sets in 45 minutes; cures in 48 to 72 hours
• Color when dry: Clear

Pros

• Unaffected by weather; heatproof to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, water- and sunlight-resistant
• Flexible and impact-resistant; suitable for applications on many outdoor materials, plumbing, and vehicles
• Can be used for insulating electrical wiring and protecting battery terminals

Cons

• Slow curing time; may not be suitable for quick and easy applications
• Vapor is flammable and can be harmful; protective gear recommended during application

Get the Eclectic Products glue for metal at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best for Repairs

Quiksteel Reinforced Epoxy Putty for Metal

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Quicksteel epoxy putty is a two-part product that is mixed together by hand, then molded onto or around metal components to bond them together. It is one of very few metal adhesives that will work on cast iron. Once hardened, it can withstand temperatures as hot as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also be drilled, filed, sanded, machined, and painted.

While frequently used for repairing bicycles, metal furniture, appliances, and machinery, it can also be used for wood, ceramics, glass, fiberglass, PVC, and most plastics. It is rated as safe for drinking water by the independent NSF testing organization.

This metal adhesive works best on bare metal, and it can fail on painted or chrome-plated surfaces, so these need to be removed first. It doesn’t have any flex and can occasionally fracture under heavy or repeated impacts.

Product Specs 

• Type: Epoxy putty
• Setting and curing times: Sets in 5 minutes and is steel hard in 15 minutes; fully cures in 1 hour
• Color when dry: Gray, but can be painted

Pros

• Extremely strong hold; becomes steel hard 15 minutes after initial application
• Easy to mold to shape before fully cured; suitable for wood, ceramic, glass, and more
• Fully cures in 1 hour; much faster than other metal glues on the market

Cons

• Heavy impacts or abrasions can crack this glue for metal

Get the Quiksteel glue for metal at Amazonor Grainger.

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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Glue for Metal

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