Home improvement projects or crafty ongoings usually involve some sort of adhesive. More often than not, we turn to glues — but do you know which one is right for your project? A quick run down of the basics are after the jump!
To start, if you need help determining what type of glue you need for your project, make sure to head over to This To That. Their website is simple with drop down menus, allowing you to pick the items you'll be gluing together. It then tells you what your best choices are and has helped us out quite a few times.
If you're looking to keep a few basics on hand, here's a few of our own personal household favorites:
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• Hot Glue: Though we have to admit, hot glue isn't our go to adhesive, we know it is for many, many a crafter. For those who use it, they do so almost exclusively, for those who don't, there's always something else to use. We do like this pro model that spits out enough glue, you can even seal boxes for packaging with it, though lower temperature models are made so they're easier to use with kids around.
• Aleene's Craft Glues: Aleene's is the fall back craft glue and although we used to find it to slow-drying and without enough sticking power, newer types have been released over the years. We're currently big fans of the silver-bottled Quick Dry Glue. They can be found at most big box retailers as well as all major craft and hobby stores.
• E-6000: If we had to choose only one glue to use for the rest of our life, it would be this one. E-6000 does just about everything and sticks almost everything together with a tight bond.
• Titebond II: Not all wood glues are created equal and this one has been by our side from the beginning. It wipes clean and creates a great bond between all your woodworking joints.
• Gorilla Glue 5004: This waterproof glue is a good one to have around the home, though it doesn't out perform a standard wood glue. It does take on things like cement and metal if needs be, but make sure you buy less than you think you need. Gorilla Glue foams up once in contact with the air and you'll need far less than you think you do!
Do you have a favorite glue or adhesive we missed? Can't live without your Liquid Nails? Let us know in the comments below!
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Comments (7)
For my architectural models and a million other things, I use Zap-A-Gap. AMAZING stuff. Will hold anything.
I agree with Volvoguy. I was turned on to Zap-A-Gap (and it's accelarant, Zip Kicker) in design school. Not for every project, but it is great in the right application.
My dad swears by JB Weld for metal or ceramic gluing. I've used it for regluing handles on cups and it seems to hold forever. I used it on a broken ceramic vase, which I later dropped again. It broke, but not where the JB Weld was. So I reglued the new break and it's still holding.
Does any one know of a glue that can hold plastic together? I broke a favorite pair of glasses at the bridge.
I've used JB Weld on plastics, and I think Gorilla Glue is supposed to be good for it, too. I guess you could call an eyeglass repair shop and ask what they use!
Addie11215 - My husband's favorite pair of Raybans broke recently and we reattached them with a basic super glue and it's held up like a champ! Don't be scared, just make sure you hold it at the correct angle when gluing so they set correctly!
for collage i love Yes glue. It is a great sticky paste and lasts for-ev-er.